Catching the Spirt(s)

Our good friends at Press Box featured Sports Legends at Camden Station as their cover story this month.

Whether or not you believe in spectral sightings, the adventure of two sports fans camping out in historic Camden Station for the night is entertaining and educational.

Many visiting the sports museum (and they come from all over the world) are unaware of the tumultuous history surrounding the old railroad station.

The first blood of the Civil War was shed there as federal troops from Massachusetts marched through town bound for battle.  Irate citizens of Baltimore, who booed and jeered as they hoofed down Pratt Street, started throwing rocks when they reached Camden Station.  A riot ensued, shots were fired and casualties (including civilians) occurred on both sides.

Then there was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, which occurred when the B&O reduced wages for railroad workers by 10%.  The strike actually started in Martinsburg, but the outrage soon hit Baltimore.  Federal troops and the Maryland National Guard were brought in to stop the destruction of Camden Station and the tracks stretching to the Gwynns Falls (just beyond M&T.)  Parts of the depot were burned, and equipment damaged.  There was at least one fatality and several casualties when the National Guard fired into the crowd.

Camden Station was also a makeshift morgue during the war, and where Abraham Lincoln's cortege stopped on its sad journey to Springfield. So it is understandable why ghost hunters might sense an interesting cast of characters.  Anyway, it's a fun read.

There's also an interesting story written by Tim Richardson about the Orioles' efforts to bring the 2016 All-Star Game to Baltimore for the 25th Anniversary season of Oriole Park.

This event would be a major economic boon to the region, and our opportunity to shine yet again.  We were very happy to hear the O's are pursing it. 

Keep your fingers crossed!

. . . .and Children of All Ages

It didn't take long for the crowds to assemble on Lots G-H when the US Navy ships opened for tours.  This picture was taken around 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 14.  The shuttle service to South Locust Point had just begun and the turnout was huge!!  (Big surprise -- several buses carrying tourists dropped their passengers before the shuttle even started.)

Fortunately, the Navy was prepared to entertain families while they waited.

Underneath I-395 were two odd-looking boats available for touring.  Painted in camoflauge and fitted with powerful engines, they were obviously used for close combat and shoreline targets.

I suppose I dated myself by asking if they were Swift Boats, but actually I wasn't too far off.

These vessels are part of the Coastal Riverine Force, which provides protection of waterways around maritime facilities, ports, and harbors in hostile territory.  This particular boat's most recent itinerary included Iraq.  (Not my idea of a pleasure cruise.)

These two boys couldn't be more curious or thrilled at the opportunity to look into the powerful scope and learn how it operated.  I couldn't help but get nostalgic thinking how much mine would have loved this experience when they were that age.

But after sharing the picture with my 25-year old, I got a surprise.

I guess you're never too old to get behind a really cool piece of equipment and see how it works.   And yes, he enjoyed it every bit as much as the youngsters did.

We haven't been told how many people descended upon Baltimore for the various Sailabration activities.  What we do know is that the stadium lots were at capacity for much of the weekend as folks parked here to shuttle to downtown, Fort McHenry, or South Locust Point.

We also know that we were able to contribute to the hands-on experience that delighted children of all ages by hosting the US Navy Coastal Riverine Force here on the complex.

A Big Warehouse Welcome!

To Race On, Andretti Sports Marketing, and the new Grand Prix of Baltimore.

According to a report in today's Baltimore Business Journal, they are moving into the 4th floor space previously occupied by Baltimore Racing Development.

Of course, I immediately scrambled down the steps with a bouquet of lavender to welcome them to the 'hood.  Unfortunately, they aren't there yet.  Understandable, considering the Andretti group just completed their triumphant resurrection of the IndyCar Fest at the Milwaukee Mile.

Not only did Michael Andretti save the race by stepping in as promoter after an unsuccessful showing last year caused it to be dropped from the schedule, but Ryan Hunter-Reay of his team also won on Saturday.

So it was a big weekend for the Andretti family and we can understand why they might be taking a bit of a breather before squealing into Baltimore.

Accounts about the reimagined Milwaukee Mile event and the special touches added by the promoters are encouraging for what could happen here.  Because that track is situated at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, there was great emphasis placed on the family-friendliness of the site and all the ancillary activities placed in the infield. 

Carnival rides, concerts, and much more affordable ticket prices helped augment attendance over last year and create an atmosphere different from other IndyCar venue.   Baltimore, with its downtown, harbor, and sports complex all part of the track, has even greater possibilities for unique entertainment options. 

We eagerly await the energy and ideas emanating from the 4th floor, and can't wait to personally welcome our newest teammates to the Warehouse family.

Sailabrating at Camden Yards

Kudos to our teammates, the Orioles, who opened their hearts (and upper decks) to sailors from all over the world who docked in Baltimore yesterday.  What could be a better way to savor the ambiance of an American seaport than a game of baseball in a classic downtown stadium?

This young Danish sailor lost no time getting into the spirit with his camo O's cap and foam finger.

Part of the experience, of course, is sampling the local cuisine.  That means some ballpark grub for this other Nordic visitor, probably tasting Old Bay on fries for the first time at the Eutaw Grill.
A few of his shipmates had other priorities when it came to local flavor.  These two decided to embrace Natty Boh before hitting the food court.  They particularly liked the commemorative Camden Yards 20th anniversary cans. 

(Too bad they aren't available in Copenhagen.)

Oriole Park was not the only beneficiary of this maritime invasion.  Behold some Midshipmen from the US Naval Academy, on their summer cruise.  Since they have friends in the area, they arranged to meet at Turn Ten for some pre-gaming.  Note the "Beat Army" sweatshirt in the background.

These Mids captured a Canadian (something we had trouble with in 1812) on their way to Camden Yards.

The Midshipmen are on the USS San Antonio, docked at North Locust Point.  Their Canadian cohort is on a gray hull docked in Fell's Point.

And what's a landing without the Marines?  They are part of the USS San Antonio crew, too.  They stopped me to ask directions to Camden Yards as they passed the Pratt Street Pavillion.

The O's deserve special thanks for incorporating the 1812 Bicentennial into their opening ceremonies (as they also did on Opening Day.)

The colors were presented on the field by a ceremonial contingent from the US Coast Guard.

The National Anthem was performed by Blue Steel, a vocal ensemble from the US Air Force Academy Band.


And what would a celebration of our abortive attempts to invade Canada be without a representative from Montreal?
















(And yes, he still misses the Expos and wishes they would return.  Particularly now that they're winning.)





There were plenty of other Canadians who came ashore to enjoy the game and a night in Baltimore.

No one gloated about the fact that they really won the War of 1812.  (Entirely possible they don't know yet.  I just learned a few weeks ago, after seeing a PBS special on the subject.)

The fellow in the dashing blue beret is part of the ship's medical corps.

Here's a delegation from the USS Donald Cook.

The Cook is a modern destroyer (not the John Brown variety) that is stationed in Norfolk.  Because the Cook is one of the smaller vessels, it is berthed in Fell's Point.  It will be open for tours today.

The sailors were having such a good time watching everything from Flag Court they were reluctant to take their seats.  Coming to the ballpark was a very special treat and they were savoring every moment.

Here are some other photos I took, in no special order.  These goodwill ambassadors represented their respective countries well.  And they seemed to be having a wonderful time in the process.


































There is one more uniform worth noting that wasn't part of the Sailabration. 

Almost overlooked in the international flavor of the evening was the presence of a foreign power of a different sort -- the National League Pittsburgh Pirates.  And yes, their ranks were pretty well represented too.

This one made me smile in appreciation -- Roberto Clemente, Pirate Hall of Famer and humanitarian who lost his life on a relief mission to Nicarauga after a devastating earthquake.  He's still a hero to those who wear the black and gold, and it was nice to see.

Sailabration is an experience not to be missed.  Plan to visit Baltimore this weekend to visit the ships!  Their crews are eager to return the hospitality.

Walking for Wellness

(NOTE:  This is the second posting about the fitness opportunities available at Camden Yards, in conjunction with Governor O'Malley's "Healthy Maryland Week.")

As an 85 acre urban oasis, Camden Yards is more than a sports complex to the neighborhood and downtown visitors.  We are the local park, with beautiful landscaping, bricked passageways, a tree-lined promenade, and plenty of interesting things to see.

You can understand how our layout and accessibility made us a favorite for those looking for a safe place to walk or jog.  Because MSA likes our public facilities to be enjoyed, we encouraged this use by creating a brochure which was distributed to hotels and residential buildings around our campus. 

(Among our closest neighbors are students at the University of Maryland's professional schools.  Many include outdoor exercise in their daily routine.)

As you can see on our "Babe to Johnny" map, the route between the two iconic statues takes you down Eutaw Street, past the Maryland Veterans Memorial, through Ravens Walk, and onto Unitas Plaza where you circle around the Golden Arm himself.

From Babe to Johnny and back is slightly less than a mile.  If you're staying at the Hilton Baltimore, that completes it.

Our brochure has pictures of points of interest along the way (the bronze baseball marking Ken Griffey, Jr.'s shot to the Warehouse wall is a particular favorite) and some of the history of the complex. 

We also measured out some alternative routes, adding in loops around each stadium.

After dropping some of the brochures in the Guest Relations office on the ground floor where the tourist information is displayed, we also learned this course appealed to out of town baseball fans.

This is Thomas Greene, our gracious security officer who mans the station during the day.  He spends a lot of time talking with folks who are just wander in looking for something to do.  He's giving one of the brochures to this father-son team who are here from Chicago.

Exercise and history lessons are not the only thing that brings folks to the Babe-to-Johnny trail.  Because we also have considerable parking and easy access from the major highways, our very attractive complex is a favorite for fund-raising walkathons. 

Our trails are easily adapted to 5K or other distances that are simple to follow and accommodate large crowds.  The annual Juvenile Diabetes walkathon has built a major event around the activity.

More than a dozen of these charity walks or runs are staged here every year.

The good thing about walking as an exercise is that it doesn't require any equipment or real structure.  Just an attractive, interesting, and safe place to perambulate and enjoy the outdoors.


And that's what we are very happy to provide to residents and visitors alike.

Pedaling Through the Park

Note:  Governor O'Malley recently declared "Healthy Maryland Week" to highlight the importance of wellness, which includes daily physical activity.   This is the first of two posts on the exercise options we provide at Camden Yards.

Every year I look forward to the Annual "Tour Dem Parks" celebration of the Gwynns Falls Trail.  This was the 10th anniversary of the ride, and the 5th since Camden Yards officially "joined" the trail by opening our pedestrian bridge at the Hamburg light rail stop.  Until then, the trail had to bypass the complex because the bridge was only unlocked for events.

By 2008, we had those legal issues resolved, the gate opened for regular use (which was greatly appreciated by light rail passengers) and the trail designated with an attractive historic marker relating the history of the M&T Bank Stadium site.

Former Mayor Sheila Dixon, a cycling enthusiast, officially unveiled the trail marker on one of her Friday morning pre-dawn rides with her staff. 

With that, MSA became a part of the Gwynns Falls Trail family.

A few years later, a larger kiosk-style wayfaring sign was added to the south entrance of our complex.  It also has historic information about Camden Yards as a railroad hub, and a map which has proven very helpful to confused visitors looking for directions to town or the light rail.

One reason I love "Tour Dem Parks" is that it gives us a chance to show off our continuing environmental efforts along the trail to the 1,000+ who participate.  This Sunday, our rain garden (where the kiosk is located) was neatly groomed.  The swale along the GFT had been newly planted with ornamental grasses that absorb parking lot runoff, and new perennials covered the hill beneath the bridge.  Our segment of the ride was lovely.

Yes, we've come a long way since we joined the Gwynns Falls Trail.


For us, the 13 mile bike route that connects I-70 with the Inner Harbor goes beyond a source of recreation and fitness.  It has become an increasingly popular transportation option for many of our fans. 

In fact, a lot more than you would guess.

Here is one tailgater who prefers pedaling to the park instead of fighting traffic.  Cyclists are not just fair weather fans.  This January 15th, the coldest football day of the 2011-12 season, the bicycle rack at the stadium security station was filled before 10:00 AM for the playoff.

Cycling to the stadium is not only cheaper because of fuel and parking costs, it is far more expedient when 70,000+ people are all trying to leave at the same time.  With a bicycle, you can be enjoying post-game festivities at the Purple Patio before most fans get to their cars or buses.

Maryland Stadium Authority has made an effort over the past few years to make our complex more bicycle-friendly -- with more racks, better signage, and outreach to the local bicycle community to use this option.

MTA has done likewise -- with new racks at Camden Station's MARC pavillion, and bike-carrying buses.





Bicycling is one of the best cardio workouts you can give yourself on the path to wellness.  But, as we know here at Camden Yards, it is also an environmentally friendly, economical way to get around town.

Whatever your reason for choosing two wheels over four, be assured you will be welcome here -- or passing through -- Camden Yards.

. . . At the Old Ball Game

Our teammate, Sports Legends Museum, has a special treat for visitors this weekend.

Melding Camden Station's role in the Civil War with its current identity as the home of the premier area sports museum, Legends is presenting a talk by historian Richard D'Ambrisi on the role base ball played in the recreational activities of soldiers during the Civil War.

The discussion will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 16. Visitors to the museum can enjoy this as part of their experience.

Most of us think the national pastime became part of our cultural fiber in the beginning of the 20th century.  But organized base ball, with paid players, traveling teams, and leagues, goes back much further.

At the time the Civil War broke out, it was just a popular game played  in cow pastures and grassy fields in both north and south.  When the young men marched off to war, they took balls and bats with them.  Sometimes, they fabricated the equipment as they went along.  And yes, they had pick-up games between battles. 

(No, the Army of the Potomac did not challenge the Army of Northern Virginia, but that would have made a heck of a World Series.)
Vintage Base Ball, as it is called (it was two words until late in the 18th century) is still practiced today in the area. (That's Mr. D'Ambrisi in his Chesapeake & Potomac uniform at the top.)

It's hard to talk about base ball's origins, or the Civil War for that matter, without bringing up Abner Doubleday.  He's a two-fer.  The man from Cooperstown credited with naming the game, designing the diamond, and laying down the rules was also a West Point graduate who served the Union with distinction as a general.

It seems the decision to declare General Doubleday the founder of base ball in 1839 was actually made by a committee in the early part of the 20th century.  The Mills Committee was appointed, by sporting goods entrepreneur Albert Spalding, to decide once and for all where the game truly originated.  The committee consisted of league executives, equipment suppliers, and politicians.  No historians need apply.

In any case, Cooperstown got the Hall of Fame out of the deal.

The history of the national pastime is interesting at any time, but when incorporated into the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, it can be seen in a new perspective as a common interest among those in the blue and those who wore gray.

 Mr. D'Ambrisi has spoken about baseball's colorful past several times at Sports Legends.  His talks are both entertaining and educational, with pictures and letters from an earlier era illustrating his stories.


Stop in and take a step back in time, when Camden Station was a vital transportation link for miliary and civilian transport, and baseball was a way for young soldiers to momentarily forget the horrors of war.