Shorebirds kick off baseball calendar with 2026 Hot Stove Banquet

SALISBURY, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds Hot Stove banquet is an annual tradition that gives fans a chance to get back in the baseball mood ahead of the start of spring training.

The 2026 edition of the hot stove did just that – giving shorebirds and orioles fans plenty of reasons to head to the civic center and support their local minor league team. Attendees got treated to a full buffet dinner and dessert along with a 50/50 raffle and silent auction that featured dozens of items, from autographed shorebirds memorabilia to signed NFL jerseys from players like Brandon graham and Isaiah Likely.

Fans were addressed by Orioles and Shorebirds management–including recently introduced Shorebirds manager Adonis Smith–previewing the upcoming season. But the headline of the night was the appearance of O’s legend Ken Singleton signing autographs for fans and telling stories from his decorated 15-year career in the big leagues that included a 1983 World Series Championship with Baltimore.

While he never played for Delmarva, Singleton recalled his history with Perdue Stadium in Salisbury. “I’ve actually been in this stadium before to see a game,” Singleton said, “My son Justin, my middle son, played in the Blue Jays organization. And years ago, my mom drove out, and my youngest son, we drove out here to see him play. He had a good night. He had a couple of hits. I can recall he made a big turn at first base after a single. And I’m sitting next to my mom and she yells out, get back the first base. So, my mom was really into it. She was happy to see her grandson have a good night. Just seeing that kind of brought me back to memories, too, that I had had playing in the minor leagues.”