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Andy Kostka

Andy

Andy Kostka is an Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, focused on telling stories that revolve around — and away from — baseball. He previously covered the Orioles for The Baltimore Sun, and before that he worked for The Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Kostka graduated from the University of Maryland and grew up in Rockville.

The latest from Andy Kostka

Gunnar Henderson is one of the fastest players in MLB. He spent the offseason working to get faster.
At Tinsley Performance this winter, Gunnar Henderson set a goal with owner and trainer Cal Tinsley. He wanted to add speed.
Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles runs as he steals second base in the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sept. 13, 2025.
Kyle Bradish wins arbitration case against Orioles
Bradish is poised to be a major piece of Baltimore’s rotation this season.
Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish watches from the dugout in the third inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 25, 2025.
As the Framber Valdez saga drags on, these are alternatives for the Orioles
The Orioles could benefit from another addition to their rotation.
Framber Valdez reacts while talking with fans in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers on Sept. 15.
The Orioles have had a busy winter, and say it’s boosted ticket sales
“And, as we have demonstrated our continued commitment to making sure we’re playing top-tier baseball, our fans have acknowledged that,” said Catie Griggs, the team’s president of business operations. “There is definitely excitement in this market. We are seeing that in ticket sales.”
The Orioles say they have seen an increase in ticket sales during the offseason, although they did not provide figures.
With only the Orioles now, MASN remains ‘viable,’ team official says
Orioles president of business operations Catie Griggs anticipates that fans will be well served by a network dedicated to one team.
The MASN logo is seen on a microphone during Baltimore Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde’s post-game press conference following a loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards on March 31, 2024. The Orioles lost the Angels, 4-1, on Sunday afternoon.
Orioles are confident top prospect Samuel Basallo can continue developing in the majors
“For him, everything I know, every conversation with him, the background on him, he’s a competitor and he wants to get better and he’s a team-first guy,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “So, when you have that makeup, he’s going to be just fine.”
Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, right, speaks with fans during a Birdland Caravan event in the warehouse at Oriole Park at Camden Yards last week.
Pete Alonso says there’s a ‘New Oriole Way.’ What might that be?
“I’m starting to feel like there’s a certain brand of baseball, a type of game we want to play,” Alonso said at the Birdland Caravan.
First baseman Pete Alonso’s signing indicated a shift in the Orioles front office’s approach.
Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson looking forward to healthy season after dealing with shoulder impingement
The All-Star shortstop said he injured his shoulder diving for a ball early last season.
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, greeting guests during a Birdland Caravan event Friday, said he hurt his shoulder early last season.
How a D.C. bar owner’s love of the Orioles shines through in enemy territory
At Eebee's in the Shaw neighborhood, the Orioles remain top dog over the hometown Nationals. When the season arrives this year, the Orioles will be on television.
Inside the baseball-themed bathroom at Eebee's.
Orioles cancel Saturday Birdland Caravan events due to forecast snowstorm
Additionally, because players were scheduled to arrive in Baltimore from around the country, some originally scheduled participants aren’t able to make appearances Friday.
Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, seated near a stuffed animal due to his nickname “the Polar Bear,” smiles as he’s introduced in December.
Shane Baz’s refined training approach could help turn potential into results with the Orioles
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Athletics Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Tampa, Fla.
MASN to broadcast 20 Orioles spring training games, more than double last season
With the Nationals no longer a consideration, the Orioles are at the center of attention for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
The 20 spring training games MASN will air in February and March are the most ever by the Orioles’ broadcast partner.
In franchise first, Orioles sign 4 international prospects with $1 million bonus or more
The largest splash is shortstop Jose Luis Acevedo, a 17-year-old from the Dominican Republic who signed for a franchise-record bonus of $2.3 million, a source said.
Koby Perez, the Orioles’ vice president of international scouting and operations, observes spring training practice in 2024.
Nationals leave Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, channel controlled by Orioles
Washington will join MLB’s production and distribution model, becoming the seventh team to do so.
An employee wears a vest with a MASN logo during a game between the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels in 2024.
Under Armour signs a new deal with its biggest star
After a very short hiatus, Bryce Harper is once again representing the Baltimore-based brand.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies acknowledges the crowd before game two of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Bryce Harper calls himself a ‘free agent’ for apparel after deal with Under Armour lapses
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper said he no longer has an apparel deal with Under Armour after partnering with the company for about 15 years.
Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Orioles’ Birdland Caravan returns with star-studded player lineup, including Pete Alonso
The events begin with a question-and-answer session hosted by play-by-play announcer Kevin Brown that features Alonso and manager Craig Albernaz.
Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is introduced during a press conference on Dec. 12.
Orioles reach deals with Gunnar Henderson, 8 others before arbitration filing deadline
Ahead of the filing deadline, Baltimore and shortstop Gunnar Henderson agreed to an $8.5 million contract for 2026, sources told The Banner.
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson will earn $8.5 million this season, sources told The Banner.
Orioles co-owner Michael Arougheti says he’s ‘all in’ on Baltimore, plus other takeaways from panel with top team officials
David Rubenstein hosted a panel at The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., to ask the brain trust of the Orioles’ baseball and business operations about the roster, Camden Yards upgrades and more.
Orioles control owner David Rubenstein, who's also chairman of the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., hosts a panel with members of the Orioles organization on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
The Orioles have checked multiple boxes this winter. Is another large splash possible?
Baltimore remains engaged in the market for the top remaining free agent starters, sources familiar with the Orioles’ approach said.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias, right, flanked by principal owner David Rubenstein, gives remarks during a December news conference to introduce first baseman Pete Alonso.
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