A half in pictures: Photographer Joy Absalon’s favorite shots of the Orioles’ first half

We all know the narrative by now. On May 9, the Orioles sat at 22-10 and had the best record in baseball. By the All-Star break, they were four games below .500 at 42-46.

Add it all up, and the first half of the 2017 season was filled with its fair share of both highlights and low moments for the O’s. You’ll see plenty of both in the gallery that follows from our outstanding photographer, Joy R. Absalon. Just try to focus on the walk-off homers instead of the strikeouts.

2017 Baltimore Orioles 25th anniversary commemorative baseball. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Catcher Welington Castillo receives a pitch. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Chris Davis reacts after striking out. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Kevin Gausman delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Hyun Soo Kim blows a bubble while taking in the action. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Hyun Soo Kim reacts prior to being awarded first base for catcher’s interference during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Trey Mancini celebrates his 11th inning walk-off home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Jonathan Schoop attempts to turn a double play against the Boston Red Sox. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Seth Smith is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a home run. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

Mark Trumbo stands during the National Anthem. Photo credit: Joy R. Absalon

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Steve Cockey

Steve Cockey is a lifelong Orioles fan who grew up in Harford County and is a graduate of both C. Milton Wright High School and Loyola University Maryland. Steve's passion for both baseball and internet advertising -- his "day job" -- led him to start BaltimoreBaseball.com in early 2016. He is a current resident of the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore and credits his love of baseball to his dad, Dr. Stephen Cockey, Sr.

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