In writing a feature on the Orioles' Opening Day starter Kevin Millwood, I talked to Carl Willis, the former longtime Cleveland Indians pitching coach who worked with Millwood in 2005.
Willis couldn't say enough good things about Millwood the person – in fact, most people around the league echo positive statements about the easygoing Millwood.
But Willis, a fan of the University of North Carolina, said his old pupil has one serious character flaw: Millwood is a Duke fan.
People around here – specifically University of Maryland fans – can see where Willis is coming from.
Millwood laughs when admitting his allegiance to Blue Devils' basketball. Growing up in North Carolina, a couple hours from Tobacco Road, Millwood said many off his friends were Tar Heels fans. But he has always liked Duke.
"I took my lumps growing up. But I was able to give some back," he said.
Millwood makes his Orioles' debut Tuesday in his seventh career Opening Day start. But he admitted that on Monday afternoon he was a little more anxious about how Duke would do against Butler in Monday night's title game.
"Right now, the game tonight," he laughed. "Tomorrow, that will change abruptly, but right now I am a little more nervous about the game tonight."
Millwood refused to make a prediction on the basketball game, which he likely will watch in his hotel room with no fanfare.
"I have to work tomorrow," he said with a smile.