Baltimore and Baseball
Charm City – birthplace of the Babe and home to the Birds.
Enjoy Eutaw Street with some Boog's BBQ, a little right field boogie and you have hit the home run of good times. No strike-outs here!
Spring comes to Maryland when shad is available on menus, horses frolic in greening pastures and the Orioles start swinging in the Yard.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, in Baltimore that is. Home to baseball’s Baltimore Orioles the pinnacle of the state’s deep love affair with the game.
Mention players’ names like Cal Ripkin, Jim Palmer, the Robinsons (Frank or Brooks), Eddie Murray or legendary former manager Earl Weaver and watch the local fans’ pride in their “Birds” or “O’s” swell.
Despite a number of lackluster seasons, and the 2005 arrival of rival team the Nationals in nearby Washington DC, going out to a game at the Yard is still a treat – even for non baseball devotees.
It all begins on Eutaw Street.
Heading toward the Gate H entrance you feel pulses quicken and taste buds awaken.
Legendary Babe Ruth was born a few blocks away. Although the Sultan of Swat’s greatest fame came playing for the New York Yankees, his hometown salutes him with a statue. Before baseball trivia fans cry “foul” on seeing a right hand outfielder’s glove in the famous southpaw's hand - it is accurate. Left-handed gloves were unavailable in the early 20th century. Another piece of trivia is the saloon Ruth’s father owned was located where centerfield now stands.
Entering the concourse, banned of all vehicular traffic, the playing field and scoreboard are on the right. On your left is the former B&O Railroad warehouse, converted into a multi-use facility, and decorates with commerative markers. So is the roadway. Each signifies where and when a homerun came sailing across the outfield’s walls.
Pay attention if you hear the crack of the bat, followed by the crowd’s roar. You might see a new addition. Just do not get beaned doing it!
The pungent haze of barbeque hangs in the air, and leads crowds to Boog’s BBQ.
Former O’s great – John “Boog” Powell has been cooking up mouth-watering beef, pork and turkey specialties since the ballpark’s opening in 1992. As befitting an All-Star player’s classy demeanor, Boog can be found greeting fans, and signing autographs at most home games.
Whether it is Boog, the BBQ or the standing room only area -this section, over right field, is a place to be.
Before hitting the Yard, you might want to brush up on the local accent. Some locals might cringe – but like the Baltimore itself, the speech is colorful, authentic - and still used.
Many natives call the city BAWL mur, and when discussing their favorite ball team, the typical statement is “how bout dem O’s"? There is nothing offensive about being called, “hon”, by complete strangers. The usage is as common as Old Bay Spice flavoring a crab cake.
As the first strain of the National Anthem begins get ready to cry out lustily.
When the Star Spangled Banner reaches “O, say does that star spangled banner still wave", place all the emphasis on the “Oh”. It’s a Bird’s tradition.
Located near I 95, driving is one option as is walking from nearby Inner Harbor. Both Baltimore Light Rail and MARC trains stop at the ballpark’s stadium station.
Baltimore and the Birds – a grand slam outing for all.
Heading south?seustravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/baseball_is_back
Hall of Fame?new-york-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_national_baseball_hall_of_fame
