April 13-14, 2015 -- Baltimore, MD -- The crack of the bat, the snap of the glove clasping a fastball, the sound of a slide... there are just some sounds that sound like summer. Baseball is America's past time, I grew up loving the game and for a kid in the west with no real connection to any major league teams I soaked up the sport through players whose nicknames and stats I had memorized because of an extensive baseball card collection.
Baseball has always been, well, spiritual to me. For years I've had it on my bucket list to attend a game in person. Honestly, I attended a game between the Rockies and the Mets when I was in college but the experience only left me wanting more rather than desiring to make another mark on the checklist.
Two years ago, while at a conference alone in Philadelphia I found my way to Citizens Banke Park and watched Roy Hallady pitch a great game against the Mets. I was literally 20 feet from Ryan Sandberg a hero of mine growing up as he was then third base coach.
Again, a conference from work would take me to Baltimore. I was elated to see the Orioles play the Yankees in Camden Yards with my brother.
What an awesome experience! Camden Yards is everything great about baseball. From the statues to the greats (Babe Ruth, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken, Frank Robinson) to the markers on the sidewalk behind right field marking historic home runs the ballpark is outstanding.
Watching Alex Rodriguez at bat against the O's.
Had the Boog's BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and got a picture with the former first-baseman and 1970 MVP Boog Powell pre-game.
Mondays are pretty cool at the park because Orioles Player Alumni come out and sign autographs for the fans. They had Ron Hansen (SS '58-62'), Tippy Martinez (P, '74-88') and Calvin Pickering (FB, '98-99') on hand.
Eutaw Street pre-game ( you can see a couple of the home run markers in the pavement)
Orioles Hall of Fame behind center field.
Having had such a great time the day before on Tuesday I bought a cheap seat and enjoyed a second game. Baseball just gets in your blood, I'm still not sure I'm going to strike a major league game from the bucket list! ;)
