Orioles Announce Plans To Honor Mike Flanagan

Mike Flanagan, who was connected with the Baltimore Orioles organization for more than three decades as a pitcher, executive and broadcaster, took his own life on Wednesday.

Friday, the team announced plans to honor and pay tribute to Flanagan. Stacey at our SB Nation Orioles blog Camden Chat has details on the Mike Flanagan tributes:

Beginning with tonight’s game against the New York Yankees, Orioles uniformed personnel will wear a black circular patch with “FLANNY” written in white on their right jersey sleeves for the remainder of the 2011 season.

Prior to tonight’s game, the club will have a moment of silence in Flanagan’s memory, and his uniform number 46 will be posted on the out-of-town scoreboard in right field from the time the gates open through the conclusion of the game.

A video tribute will be played on the Oriole Park video board at the completion of the first inning of the game.

A black banner with the number “46” in orange has been installed just above the press box and below the booth where Flanagan sat as a member of the MASN broadcast team.

The Orioles flag on the right field flag court at Camden Yards will be flown at half staff for each of the remaining home games this season.

Baltimore Police Confirm Mike Flanagan's Gun Shot Was Self-Inflicted

The body of Baltimore Orioles' pitcher, executive, and broadcaster Mike Flanagan was found near his home on Wednesday, and the initial reports indicated that Flanagan might have committed suicide. Sadly, it looks like those reports are proving true. From Chick Hernandez of CSN Washington:

Baltimore Co. Police confirm Mike Flanagan died from self-inflicted gun shot. So very sad

While it's not appropriate to play amateur psychologist and pretend this horrible occurrence is the result of one specific problem in Flanagan's life, there are reports that part of his depression stemmed from his work in the Orioles' front office. From Tim Kurkjian:

"Flanny," as everyone called him, had not been his usual personable, hilarious self in recent years. The many losses he took as the Orioles general manager wore on him, and he took them home. Being replaced as GM in 2008 depressed him even more.

WBAL-TV 11 Sports Director Gerry Sandusky was even more specific, saying ...

Flanagan took his own life "despondent over what he considered a false perception from a community he loved of his role in the team's prolonged failure," Sandusky said.

It's not like this story was going to get less sad, but it hits home when you realize he really struggled with the criticism that fans don't think twice about doling out.

More Tributes To Mike Flanagan Pour In

Mike Flanagan's Death Reflected On By Former Colleague Jim Palmer

Mike Flanagan passed away on Wednesday night and, immediately, there was an outpouring of support from members of the Baltimore Orioles organization mourning the death of the Cy Young-winning pitcher. None of those reactions were more touching than that of former teammmate and broadcast partner Jim Palmer.

Flanagan and Palmer were teammates for 11 seasons on the field, up until 1984, and have both continued in front office and broadcasting roles for Baltimore ever since. So, when Palmer was interviewed on Wednesday night, most knew to be ready for a tear-jerker.

“I’m not real good at this, Amber, because he was one of us,” Palmer told the MASN sports desk.

“We were a family,” Palmer said of his former teammate. “I think anybody that played for the Orioles during the eras that we played understood how lucky we were and it wasn’t just about what happened on the field.”

Palmer also offered his condolences to Flanagan’s family and friends.

“He was one of a kind,” Palmer said. “I’m just sorry for the people that knew him because this is part of being my age and having a chance to be with guys who were this special so that’s pretty much all I have to say … it’s devastating.”

SB Nation’s thoughts and prayers go out to Flanagan’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Mike Flanagan Remembered For Humor, Toughness

Former Orioles pitcher, executive and broadcaster Mike Flanagan was found dead on Wednesday. His former teammates, fans and writers remember him fondly.

Ex-Orioles Pitcher Mike Flanagan Found Dead Near Baltimore Home

According to various reports, former Baltimore Orioles pitcher, coach, executive, and broadcaster Mike Flanagan has been found dead on his suburban Baltimore property.