In a heartfelt revelation, former Baltimore Orioles infielder Connor Norby has expressed deep regret about leaving the organization he once called home. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Norby shared his emotional connection to the Orioles and his desire to return to the team that gave him his first shot in the big leagues.
“I’ll love to come back home,” Norby said. “Baltimore was where my career began, and there’s something about that city, the fans, and the team that I’ll always cherish. Leaving was never an easy decision.”
Norby, a standout second baseman during his time with the Orioles, was drafted by the club in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft. His time in the minors showcased his potential, as he developed into a promising player with a keen eye at the plate, excellent fielding ability, and versatility across the infield. By the time he made his major league debut, fans and analysts alike believed Norby had the tools to become a staple of Baltimore’s infield for years to come.
However, in an unexpected twist, Norby was traded from the Orioles to another franchise during a period when Baltimore was looking to rebuild and bolster its pitching staff. While the deal made sense in terms of the Orioles’ long-term strategy, it left Norby in a bittersweet position.
“Leaving the Orioles was something I struggled with, but at the time, I understood the decision from the team’s perspective. Baseball is a business, and trades happen all the time,” Norby continued. “But the emotional attachment I had to the team, the city, and the fans didn’t go away.”
Norby’s career has continued to progress since the trade, but he admits that there’s been a lingering feeling of unfinished business with the Orioles. “I think there’s always been that hope in the back of my mind that one day I could wear the Orioles’ uniform again,” he admitted. “I’ve grown as a player and as a person, and if the opportunity came up, I wouldn’t hesitate to come back.”
The Orioles, who have seen a resurgence in recent seasons with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership, may not have entirely closed the door on a possible Norby reunion. While there hasn’t been any official word from the front office about a potential move to bring Norby back, fans have started to buzz about the possibility on social media.
Norby’s return could provide depth to an infield that has continued to evolve, with players like Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg stepping up in recent years. His familiarity with the team’s culture, coaching staff, and fan base would undoubtedly make him a valuable addition to a squad that has its eyes on postseason contention.
For now, Norby remains focused on the season at hand, but he made it clear that his heart still holds a special place for Baltimore. “I owe a lot to the Orioles, and the city will always be home for me,” he concluded. “If they ever needed me back, I’d be ready. I want to come back to the place where it all started.”
As Orioles fans eagerly await the next chapter of the team’s story, they may find themselves welcoming back one of their own in the near future. For Connor Norby, the journey to return home is one filled with hope, determination, and a deep-rooted love for the game—and the city—that shaped him.
