Carmelo Anthony pledges his allegiance to hometown Orioles
Carmelo Anthony passes while racing downcourt during team practice held at the Madison Square Garden Training Center. (Oct. 9, 2012) Credit: James Escher
GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Carmelo Anthony grew up in Baltimore and has an Orioles tattoo on his arm. Playing for the Knicks won't change his baseball allegiance.
Anthony is rooting for Baltimore in its American League Division Series against the Yankees.
"I've been an Orioles fan since I was like 8 years old," Anthony said.
The Knicks' All-Star small forward, who was born in Brooklyn, said he's a little torn because he calls New York home now and is familiar with some of the Yankees. But his beloved Orioles come first.
"I've never been a Yankee fan," he said. " I know some of the guys on the team. I support them. I have kind of mixed feelings right now. Here in New York you got to support the Yankees. But I'm an Orioles fan."
Anthony couldn't go to Game 3 Wednesday night because the Knicks traveled to Washington, D.C., for Thursday's preseason game against the Wizards, eliminating his shot to attend Game 4 in the Bronx.
But if the series goes to a Game 5, Anthony said he will be there and it will be clear whom he's supporting.
"Hopefully there's a game Friday," he said. "I'll go and I'll wear an Orioles hat."
