As a kid growing up in Baltimore in the 70's and 80's, this guy seemed like he was bigger than life. To me, he was as important to our city as the mayor.
In 1985, Mr. Hagy began a boycott of Memorial Stadium because he was no longer allowed to bring his own beer in a cooler. The night before the ban went into effect, he downed nine or 10 beers by his count and then launched his empty cooler from the upper deck onto the field. He was also distressed at the declining state of the team. The Orioles tried to bring him back to lead a last cheer during the final game at Memorial Stadium in 1991. But he turned down the request, continuing the boycott. He returned, far more quietly, a few years after the team moved to Camden Yards. He might be the most famous (and overrated) bandwagon fan of all time. Seriously, he abandoned his team loyalty over a cooler policy. I certainly am sorry to hear about his demise, but it seems to me that Budweiser fans (and distributors) should be a lot more unhappy about the news than Orioles fans.
It is sad to hear he has died, but at least he did not have to see this game. That one may have just pushed him over the edge itself.
