It’s August 12, 1996, and after a 13-game road trip, the O’s got exactly what they needed: a rainout. They were supposed to play the Brewers, but that will have to wait until tomorrow.

The road weary Birds desperately needed this. After this short two-game series with Milwaukee, they are back on the road, playing five games in four days in Oakland — including a doubleheader on Friday.

“Coming off a 13-game road trip and having my starters on three days’ rest, [the rainout] is fine,” O’s manager Davey Johnson told the Sun’s Jason LaCanfora. “We’d probably be here all night long [if they tried to play] and that’s not the way you want to come home.” (Baltimore Sun, p. 3D, August 13, 1996)

In other news, the owners and players are nearing a deal on a collective bargaining agreement that will include a luxury tax on the highest spending teams. The O’s, as one of the highest spending teams, would be subject to this. O’s owner Peter Angelos pledges to keep spending, regardless of the tax.

“I think we would maintain the same pace,” Angelos told the Sun’s Peter Schmuck. “We’re still going to do everything we can to keep the team competitive and make it a winner.” (Baltimore Sun, p. 1D, 1996)

Based on this year’s payroll ($60.9 million) and the projected tax threshold ($51 million), the O’s would be projected to have to pay $3.5 million as part of the tax (35% of the overage).

Spend, spend, spend! Let’s build a super team in Baltimore!

The rain washed away any potential dingers.

Brewers (55-64) at Orioles (60-56) 7:35 p.m.

Starting Pitchers
MIL – LHP Scott Karl (10-6, 5.16 ERA)
BAL – RHP Rocky Coppinger (7-3, 4.93 ERA)

The GOP National Convention kicks off this week in San Diego. Former Kansas Senator Bob Dole will accept the presidential nomination, and Jack Kemp will be his running mate.

“Everything before has been a warm-up, a trial heat,” Dole said. “Here in San Diego, the real race begins.”

The convention bill includes a slate of luminaries and future war criminals, including retired Gen. Colin Powell. Visitors will also be dazzled by the rhetorical wizardry of former presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Arizona Senator John McCain will also speak, as will Texas Governor George W. Bush, the son of the former president.

“The era of Bill Clinton’s about over,” Dole said. “And that’s going to happen sooner than you think.” 

(Ed. note: Two years before the end of the Clinton era, Bob Dole would be starring in Viagra ads. That did happen sooner than anyone thought.)

Welcome to a recurring segment where I find fun things in today’s (in 1996) Baltimore Sun!

It’s convention time. Do you know where your Bob Dole doll is?