Seattle Mariners outfielder Nelson Cruz made his return to Camden Yards on Tuesday, his first trip back since helping lead the Orioles to the American League Championship Series in 2014.
Before the game, Cruz met with local reporters and was asked what kind of reception he expected when he stepped to the plate for the first time Tuesday.
"Love, hopefully," Cruz said laughing, "unless I did something to [tick] them off. But hopefully love."
Cruz, who arguably made the biggest impact by a one-year-only player in club history, mainly got the love he was looking for in the first inning Tuesday.
As he stepped to the plate, several fans rose to their feet, and most applauded.
If there were any boos, it was hard to differentiate from the usual "Cruuuuz" cheer Orioles fans used all of last year. Cruz stepped out of the box for a moment to acknowledge the fans, and then promptly singled in his first at-bat against his old team.