Our favorite pictures from photo day at Orioles spring training

SARASOTA, Fla. — There is a quote from Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby above the entrance at Ed Smith Stadium. In it, he answers a question he often received: What does a ballplayer do in the winter?

“I stare out the window and wait for spring,” Hornsby said.

Offseason training methods have changed in the century since Hornsby played, but the sentiment remains for every Orioles player who arrives in Sarasota for spring training. It’s at times a grueling existence, being a ballplayer — particularly for those in the minors. But, for each of them, spring means a new beginning.

Spring washes away a winter of wallowing over whatever nagged at them — and, for the Orioles, a poor season that ended without a playoff appearance nagged and nagged. There is added intrigue this year, as manager Craig Albernaz and first baseman Pete Alonso, among many others, will experience their first taste of Baltimore baseball.

Opening day is just around the corner (Thursday at Camden Yards against the Minnesota Twins). The hope that flourishes in spring will turn either to reality or a mirage.

There’s only one way to find out: Play Ball.