Orioles Pitcher Throws a High Hard One at Car Commuting

guthrieVia Smart Growth America, I’m finally catching up to this great little story in last month’s Baltimore Sun about all of the Orioles players who are commuting to the ballpark by bike these days:

Fans are accustomed to the players’ lot being filled with expensive rides — sports cars, HUVs, private jets. But you should check out the clubhouse sometime, or the weight room. There are enough bikes parked there to hold the Tour de France. I keep waiting for players to change into yellow jerseys, though that honor probably should be delayed until they’re in first place.

At last count, the cyclists include Guthrie, Luke Scott, Aubrey Huff, Brian Burres, Garrett Olson and Lance Cormier. Nick Markakis dropped out after buying a house in Monkton.

Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie rides to Camden Yards six days a week during long homestands (on Sundays his wife drops him off after church). Here’s how he sees it:

"There are some side benefits," Guthrie said. "It’s the overall idea of being outside and exercising instead of driving. I hate cars, I hate driving, I hate doing something I don’t have to do. For me to drive downtown is a waste of gas; it’s a waste of my time. I can ride faster than I can drive."

Granted, he doesn’t yet wield the star power of Ford Mustang salesman Derek Jeter or Cadillac Escalade salesman Tiki Barber, but Guthrie’s showing he’s got the potential to be a force in the big leagues. Trek, Breezer, Specialized: Why not sign this guy up as a spokesman? And don’t forget New York Rangers center Sean Avery while you’re at it.

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

Tiki Barber Trades His Escalade for a MetroCard

|
In a segment on NBC’s "Football Night in America" last night, the network’s NFL desk anchors and commentators were asked what they’ve done to "green their routines." While Jerome Bettis uses the cold setting for laundry and Keith Olbermann forgoes bottled water, Cris Collinsworth said he is walking to the studio every Sunday, and former […]

LeBron James Bikes to Work “All the Time”

|
This Twitter photo of LeBron James biking to American Airlines Arena before facing off against Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls last night has gone viral on sports news sites all over America. There are some interesting sociological currents swirling around LeBron James, bike commuter. While the photographer labeled James a “manchild” for taking to […]