BALTIMORE - Nick Markakis endured the lean years with the Baltimore Orioles, suffering through one losing season after another during the worst stretch in franchise history.If that wasnt bad enough, when the Orioles finally turned things around in 2012, Markakis sat out the playoffs with a broken thumb.Now, nine years into his major league career, the 30-year-old right fielder is getting his first taste of post-season baseball. No one on Baltimores current roster has spent more time with the team than Markakis, whose loyalty to the Orioles has never wavered since they made him their first-round pick in the 2003 draft.Even after Baltimore went 70-92, 69-93 and 68-93 in his first three major league seasons, Markakis remained confident he would ultimately reach the playoffs with the Orioles.So he signed a six-year extension in 2009 during Baltimores miserable run of 14 straight losing seasons.In the past, judging by the development and the direction the team was going, I knew it was just a matter of time, Markakis said. Thats one reason I signed here, because I knew eventually it was going to happen. Good things come from a little hard work, patience and dedication. It was just a matter of plugging in players here and there, and weve got it now.Using deft moves by executive vice-president Dan Duquette and the guidance of manager Buck Showalter, the Orioles are in the AL Championship Series for the first time since 1997. When they open at home Friday night against Kansas City, there will be plenty of fans among the sellout crowd wearing No. 21 jerseys with MARKAKIS on the back.Markakis, the Orioles leadoff hitter, ranks among the top 10 in franchise history in games, at-bats, runs, hits, double, RBIs and walks. In his own understated way, hes made a name for himself on lists that include Hall of Fame stars Cal Ripken, Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson.You look at the all-time leaders in hits in Baltimore history, that gets your attention, manager Buck Showalter said. Sometimes we dont completely grasp what weve watching here.Showalter remembers how disappointed Markakis was in 2012, when the Orioles finally shed their losing ways and earned a spot in the playoffs as a wild card. Markakis season ended on Sept. 9 when he was struck in the left thumb by a fastball from New York Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia.It still bothers me, Showalter said. That was a kick in the (rear). It reminded all of us how fleeting this is.For Markakis, watching the post-season from the bench didnt come close to the feeling of playing the game.Every kid wants to be part of something. When theyre doing something and youre not part of it, it makes you appreciate what youre missing, Markakis said. I understand that now. I had it taken away from in 2012, but here I am with a second chance.Hes making the most of it, too. Markakis had three RBIs and scored three runs in the Orioles three-game sweep of Detroit in the AL Division Series, the highlight a two-run homer in Game 2.I know hes excited about being in the playoffs and were all excited to have him, Baltimore shortstop J.J. Hardy said. Hes kind of one of the steady guys we have on this team. Hes out there every single day, giving 100 per cent playing through pain and all kinds of stuff.The only time in the last seven years that Markakis failed to play in at least 155 games was that lamentable 2012 season.As manager, thats one less thing you have to worry about, Showalter said. Hes such a self-starter a€” and so consistent.That contract Markakis signed in 2009 comes with a club option next season. He will receive $17.5 million in 2015, or the Orioles must pay a $2 million buyout.When he signed in 2009, it was with the notion that he would spend his entire career in Baltimore.High risk, high reward. It was a good decision on my part, Markakis said. I knew what this city was capable of doing and it paid off. Im enjoying this.He cant imagine what it would have been like to spurn the extension, become a free agent and sign with the highest bidder.Theres always an easy way out, Markakis said. You can sign with the team with the most money and best players and everything else, but I always believe in putting in your time and being loyal to the team that who gave you that opportunity.Thats what I abide by, thats how I was raised. I wouldnt have it any other way. Jeff Skinner Jersey .com) - One point guard will return, while another will sit when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit American Airlines Center to take on the Dallas Mavericks. Rasmus Ristolainen Jersey .com) - Maria Sharapova reached her 10th career grand slam final after beating Ekaterina Makarova in straight sets at the Australian Open on Thursday. http://www.officialsabresfanstore.com/customized/. Louis against the Blues. The Canucks picked up their second straight victory in the swings opener on Tuesday in Calgary before getting routed in Minnesota last night, 5-1. Jack Eichel Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Pat Lafontaine Jersey .com) - World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and four-time Australian Open titlist Roger Federer were among Mondays fourth-round winners at Melbourne Park.CLEVELAND -- The Browns have released outside linebacker Quentin Groves, a special teams captain with the club last year. Groves signed with Cleveland as an unrestricted free agent last year after a season with Arizona. He was in the linebacker rotation and had a sack in the season opener against Miami. But Groves he severely sprained an ankle on the opening kickoff the following week against Baltimore and waas limited to five games.dddddddddddd. He underwent off-season surgery and had been healthy and practicing with the team this spring. Apparently, the Browns new coaching staff didnt see him as a fit in the defence. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Groves has played with Oakland and Jacksonville. The Browns also released former Ohio State linebacker Larry Grant, who signed as a free agent last month. 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