Nick Markakis, 2010 Topps Allen and Ginter National Pride #NP34

Today, we celebrate America. Since Independence Day is all about fireworks, how about the fireworks that Nick Markakis has been putting on for the past few weeks? Ever since an 0-for-4 performance on June 7, the rightfielder has hit safely in 21 of 22 games, including a career best 5-for-5 outing in yesterday's win over the Braves. He's batted .436 (44-for-101) with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 14 RBI to boost his season average to .296 entering tonight's game. While he's still not producing walks and extra-base hits at his career rate, he's given O's fans a reason to exhale after his struggles in the early part of the season.