"They gave me an opportunity early in life," Markakis told reporters about the Orioles. "I can't take that away from anything. That's where I started my career. That's where I started my roots and my foundation in this occupation. They've been great to me. I have great memories there, lots of friends. I feel like that's something that's never going to be taken away from you in this business. Teammates are taken away from you but your friendships and what you build with them over the years won't be forgotten and won't be taken away.