This week I was jealous of my mom, very jealous.

Going to school in Illinois makes it hard to go to Orioles’ games when I’m at school, you know 800 miles away. I was very lucky to able to attend 5 games at Camden Yards this summer as well as two games in Chicago (Thanks again, Mom), but this week despite how much I really wanted to (and still do) I couldn’t go to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and watch my Orioles clinch the AL East.

My mom told me on Monday that she bought tickets to the Tuesday and Wednesday games, pretty much guaranteeing that she would see the Orioles not only clinch a playoff spot but also become the American League East Champions. For the first time in my memory the Orioles are AL East champions, and last time that happened I was only 3.

When I picked my university, the orioles were still living in the cellar of the AL East. Not many things have me regretting my choice in school, but the Orioles in the last 3 seasons have, especially around this time of year. Illinois is not ideal for an Orioles fan but it didn’t keep me from loving the team, just from watching them.

Watching the game Tuesday night on my laptop was one of the greatest things I’ve experienced, even if I wasn’t there in person like my mom was. I also loved experiencing the events that unfolded with my fellow redditors on /r/Orioles. Knowing that the excitement and happiness that brought me to tears was shared by so many others just made it even better.

Today—Wednesday— I was decked out in Orioles gear seen here and wish I could have worn more. I wanted everyone on campus to know the Orioles are my team and that I am proud of them.

Even with my jealousy of my mom being in attendance, this smile has not left my face. I love this team with all my heart and I can’t wait to cheer them on in October.