Photo courtesy of Keith Allison
The Baltimore Orioles are a team rich in history. Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr., Frank Robinson and Earl Weaver are just a few of the Hall of Fame names that will forever be linked with this great baseball city. The team is the owner of three world championships, their most recent in 1983. Since the departure of consecutive games played leader Cal Ripken Jr. in 2001 the team has been a bottom feeder in the A.L. East. In 2012, the team has shown some early signs of life that have brought a renewed vigor to the city and fan base.
The Orioles play their games in Camden Yards. The park was erected in 1992 and is consistently rated one of the best in all of baseball due to its retro design. Some highlights include the large brick warehouse building in right field (former railroad storage house), and the abundance of local fare such as crab cakes.
The old B&O Warehouse in right field at Camden Yards — Photo courtesy of tedkerwin
The Orioles experienced no greater high in recent memory then when Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. played in his record 2131st consecutive game, breaking the record (deemed unbeatable) established by New York Yankee legend Lou Gehrig. Because of their recent poor play, they decided to capitalize on their nostalgia to help their draw. During 2012, six statues will be erected around the field to commemorate the Orioles' six hall of fame members; the aforementioned Robinsons, Weaver and Ripken as well as Eddie Murray and current broadcaster Jim Palmer.
Frank Robinson's bronze statue — Photo courtesy of taygete05
If there was ever a time to go to Camden Yards, that time would be now as the Baltimore Orioles are playing at their highest level since the Ripken days. Current stars such as Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and J.J. Hardy pace a team that looks to do great things. This version of the Orioles play a style of baseball that fans are sure to fall in love with. The home run ball is their favorite way to score runs, and their park's dimensions allows more to be hit than the average professional ballpark.
If you are not already looking into a trip to Baltimore, keep in mind that your favorite team may be scheduled for a few dates with the Orioles this year. The Orioles are in the A.L. East, so they frequently have home dates with the Yankees of New York and the Red Sox of Boston which are always must see events. A day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards coupled with lunch/dinner at the Inner Harbor is a must for any Baltimore visit.
