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The Baltimore Orioles paid tribute to the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse before their opening game Thursday.
Rescuers recovered two bodies amid the search for construction workers who died when the container ship Dali collided with the bridge in the early hours of Tuesday, destroying it.
After the shocking collapse that hit Baltimore earlier this week, the city’s MLB franchise honored the victims at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday afternoon.
The American League East Division team kicked off its 2024 campaign against the Los Angeles Angels in the first game of the new MLB season at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Before the ceremonial first pitch, the team paid tribute by holding a moment of silence for the victims before the national anthem, written by Francis Scott Key, was sung.
Baltimore Orioles pay tribute after terrifying Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
Four members of the Baltimore City Fire Department’s dive team were said to be in the city box during the game.
The team had announced its plans to honor the victims and first responders on Thursday, in a statement that said: “The Orioles will observe a special moment of silence following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in honor of the victims and their families and sharing their appreciation for our city’s brave first responders who immediately jumped into action.
The Orioles also canceled a practice and fan rally that had been scheduled for Tuesday night in light of the bridge collapse.
The organization joined Baltimore’s NFL team, the Ravens, in insisting that the city “will stick together” following the terrifying collapse earlier this week.
Amid the frantic search for those sunk in the river, the Ravens and Orioles issued moving statements Tuesday morning. Both teams praised the rescuers and supported Baltimore in coming together after the tragedy.
The Ravens wrote first: ‘Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge early this morning.
‘We are grateful to the first responders and local leaders who are on the scene to lead the search and rescue efforts and to support the families who have been most directly affected.
“We know the Baltimore community will stand together after this tragic event.”
The Ravens NFL team praised rescue workers who tried to save dozens of lives.
MLB’s Orioles echoed those words as they told the city “together we will get through this.”
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sent his ‘heart, thoughts and prayers’ to those affected
Quarterback Lamar Jackson also posted: “To the people and their families who were part of the bridge that collapsed in Baltimore, my heart, thoughts and prayers are with all of you…”
The Orioles echoed those words, saying: ‘We are devastated by the news of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and send our thoughts and prayers to those affected by this tragedy.
‘We thank the brave first responders and the men and women actively working in the rescue efforts.
‘Baltimore, we are a very united and resilient city. “Together we will get out of this.”