Why didn't Jackson Holliday drink during the Orioles celebration
Why didn't Jackson Holliday drink during the Orioles celebration
By Oliver Wiener November 22, 2024 11:45
It is more than customary for MLB clubhouses to celebrate postseason triumphs through alcohol. Often, the team owners and management fills their lockers with booze such that they could pour and drink with one another. It is a simple gesture that pats the players on the back for a job well done in the lead-up to the Fall Classic. The Baltimore Orioles are no exception to this tradition but it looks like someone was left out.
Jackson Holliday could not drink any of the alcohol or even light a cigar during the Orioles' postseason run. It is largely because he is not of legal age. Yes, you read that right. Someone on an MLB rotation is less than 20 years old. However, this did not mean that the infielder could not celebrate with the team. In fact, it was their managers and coaches who set up a 'Baby Bird' station for him.
Everyone on the Orioles clubhouse paused for a while as they saw Holliday pop a non-alcoholic bottle. The young batter had a lot of fun with the squad as they headed into the postseason with a lot of optimism. He even outlined his feelings on being able to celebrate with such a successful franchise: “Growing up and being able to watch winning baseball for so long, I think that’s kind of the environment that I came to Spring Training and I was like, ‘I think this team has that environment of guys being super close and being super competitive. To be able to be here and be a part of this is awesome.”
These types of exceptions for the young Holliday won't last for long. He is about to turn 21 in December. This means that by next season, there would be no more 'Baby Bird' station in the Orioles clubhouse because he'll be legally able to drink.