Honor for 109-Year-Old War Hero

Elderly man saluting in front of an American flag against a blue sky

A 109-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran received baseball’s highest fan honor, reminding Americans what true dedication and sacrifice look like in an era when those values seem increasingly forgotten.

Story Highlights

Arthur Green, 109-year-old WWII and Korean War veteran, named 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year by Baltimore Orioles
Orioles owner David Rubenstein delivered personal letter while Hall of Famer Al Bumbry attended birthday celebration
Green previously threw ceremonial first pitch at age 106 in what his daughter called “happiest day of his life”
Award honors Mo Gaba, young superfan who died at 14, recognizing dedication that embodies baseball’s timeless traditions

Baltimore Honors Century of Service and Loyalty

Arthur Green received the 2026 Mo Gaba Fan of the Year award during his birthday celebration at AMF Woodlawn Lanes in Woodlawn, Maryland, just days before turning 109. Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein sent a personal letter naming the lifelong Orioles fan as the team’s symbolic “10th man” for the upcoming home opener. Hall of Famer Al Bumbry, the 1973 American League Rookie of the Year, attended the bowling alley celebration to honor Green personally. The Baltimore resident served his country in both World War II and the Korean War before dedicating decades to following his beloved Orioles.

Veteran’s Lifelong Fandom Recognized Through Team Tradition

The Mo Gaba Fan of the Year award began around 2020 to honor Mo Gaba, a blind 14-year-old Orioles superfan who died from a brain tumor in 2019. The award recognizes fans whose dedication mirrors Gaba’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty to the team. Green’s selection stems partly from his memorable appearance on August 25, 2023, when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at age 106. His daughter Myra described that moment as the happiest day of her father’s life, cementing his status as an exemplar of lifelong fandom worthy of the Orioles’ most meaningful fan recognition.

Community Celebrates American Hero’s Enduring Spirit

Green’s honor reflects Baltimore’s deep respect for veterans and baseball’s role in American community life. Born around March 1917 in Baltimore, Green represents a generation that fought totalitarianism abroad and built prosperity at home, all while maintaining simple pleasures like rooting for the hometown team. His recognition serves as a living reminder of what genuine American heroism looks like—service without complaint, loyalty without conditions, and joy found in tradition rather than spectacle. The Orioles organization correctly identified Green as embodying values that transcend sports: duty, perseverance, and appreciation for what truly matters.

Legacy of Service Meets Baseball’s Timeless Appeal

Green will serve as the “10th man” when the Orioles open their 2026 home season, typically in late March or early April. The designation carries symbolic weight, positioning a supercentenarian veteran as representing all fans who’ve supported the team through generations of triumphs and disappointments. In an age when professional sports increasingly prioritize corporate sponsorships and political messaging over authentic community connection, the Orioles’ decision to elevate a 109-year-old veteran demonstrates that some organizations still understand what fans value most. Green’s story offers a stark contrast to contemporary culture’s obsession with fleeting celebrity, showcasing instead the quiet dignity of a life well-lived in service to country and commitment to community traditions that bind Americans together across decades.