109-year-old Arthur Green helped the O’s kick things off at Camden Yards on Thursday, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to commemorate the start of the 2026 season
BY RYAN K BOMAN | MARCH 26, 2029
Arthur Green has been awarded many times in the past due to his amazing service to the nation. And on Opening Day in Camden Yards, the American hero stepped forward to receive one more ‘thank you’ – this time by a capacity crowd in attendance for the Baltimore Orioles’ Opening Day festivities.
A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Green served honorably as a staff sergeant and platoon leader. On Thursday, he was recognized as the Orioles’ 2026 Opening Day hero and ‘Fan of the Year’, having been a fan since moving to Baltimore at age four. According to ESPN, the attendance for the Orioles’ opener against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards was 42,134. The game ended in a 2-1 victory for the O’s.
Green was born in 1916 as part of America’s famed Greatest Generation. After his military career, he built a long civilian life centered around family, community involvement, and sports fandom, especially baseball.
The moment was highlighted nationally — one report noted he was escorted by his daughter, Myra Green, an ABC News producer, for the special honor. The veteran had previously been surprised with a personal letter from team owner David Rubenstein and a visit from Orioles Hall of Famer Al Bumbry when he was named Fan of the Year.
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