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.

Those Philly Phans

Our rivals on the other end of the parkway had an interesting appeal to their fans during the offseason.   Professing to be embarrassed by the domination of Philly fans during Philadelphia's appearances, the front office played to hometown pride and loyalty to defend the fort and rally 'round the ballpark to keep those dastardly foreigners out.

(Makes you wonder where they were in 1814 when the British torched the place with nary a peep of protest.)

As a marketing ploy, it was worthy of Don Draper. But as "Natitude," it seemed just a bit defensive.  At least from 30 miles away, overlooking a stadium that is routinely overrun with Yankee and Red Sox fans.

(Remember, these are also the same folks who squawk about our "O" during the Star-Spangled Banner.)

But it must have struck a responsive chord with someone, because even the Mayor and City Council proclaimed a call to arms to defend the stadium the weekend of May 4-6, the first Philly invasion.

Naturally, there was push back.  Philly fans were even more determined to raid the ramparts and claim the park.  They even published their battle plan on one of the booster sites.

In the end, both sides declared victory (again, not unlike the War of 1812.)  Turnout was high, the Nats took two, and they were successful in containing Philly fans -- keeping them dispersed, if not completely out of their kingdom.

But some still considered it a bit extreme and (dare I say?) jingoistic towards the City of Brotherly Love.

I bring this up because this Orioles home stand is the annual crossover series with the National League.  And guess who's in town?

That's right.  By the busload.  There must have been a convoy on I-95, because by 1:00 pm there was a red tide sweeping the complex. And the game didn't begin for several hours. 

This line stretches all the way to Dempsey's, and the doors don't open for another half hour

Because it's a weekend and school is out, families are here in force.  Once Eutaw Street opened, a lot of them enjoyed picnic fare under the canopy.

This young lady brought along her Phanatic's hat, despite the 80+ degree weather.

These folks were the first ones to grab seats in Dempsey's.  They were very complimentary about the great ambiance and convenience to the field. 





I really liked this one of the Philly Phamily, assembled under the Leroy Neimann classic of Cal Ripken in the Warehouse lobby.

(Mom admitted they were big Cal fans, too.)

One reason we enjoy those out-of-towners who spend their weekend/vacation time with us is that they also spend $$$$$.  In the nearby watering holes and restaurants, of course.  But many enjoy taking something of our ballpark home with them.

This young lady is sizing up her friend for a Ripken jersey as a souvenir of their trip to Baltimore. 

When I took this picture, the Majestic team store was completely filled with Philly fans shopping for merchandise.

It's 3:55 pm now, almost game time.

I just snapped this picture from my window.  As you can see, they're still pouring in.  These folks came from downtown, but the light rail near the top of the picture was also unloading carloads of fans.

It's going to be a full house today.  Beautiful weather, and everyone seems to be anticipating a good time.

What are those Nats complaining about?

Encouraging Signs

Since Opening Day, when the whimsical images of the Triumphant Bird (and his alter ego, Angry Bird) first appeared around the ballpark as colorful murals, I've been curious about their origins.

On close inspection, you can see they are hand painted and carefully worked into the architectural features around them.  They not only add a splash of color to the ballpark, but harken to the day when painted signs on building walls were part of the Baltimore urban fiber. 

You can still see vestiges of this bygone era in the downtown retail district, on buildings that have been repurposed. 

(My personal favorite is "Baltimore Bargain House" on the side of the Nancy Grasmick Building.)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet the artist who gives our complex, which celebrates the traditional with the trendy, laboring outside our door.

MICA-trained Robert Merrell, who has painted maritime murals around Baltimore for many years, is carefully applying fine lines to one of the warehouse doors. 

(If you think painting on brick is a challenge, you should try taming the wiggles on corrugated steel.)

It's amazing to think this is all copied and sketched without the use of computer graphics.  It's a tedious process, but that is what gives it the traditional look we value here.

However, we also rely upon high tech devices to help us communicate with visitors in the most efficient way, which is why MSA, the O's, and the Ravens invested in a high definition video board to help direct traffic and deliver important messages at a moment's notice.

But alas, electronics being what they are, sometimes they go on the fritz.  (Such capriciousness is not a problem with Mr. Merrell's efforts.)

This may look like a major production, but actually just one little antenna needed replacing. 

Within a few minutes, not only had the weather brightened, but our new sign was flashing a message we wanted everyone to see.

The Sailabration is coming next week, bringing tall ships from around the world, a flotilla of US Navy vessels, and the Blue Angels, who will soar overhead on June 16-17.

Camden Yards is the place to park for all the activities downtown, Fort McHenry, and Locust Point.  Shuttle service will be provided, from June 15th through June 18th.  All the information you'll need is there on the sign, one message after the next.

So yes, technology has its advantages.  But I love the old handpainted artistry that Mr. Merrell brings.  Come by and see.

Conserving Resources, Tracking Trends

Oriole Park is not the only stadium in Camden Yards attuned to meteorology.  Now M&T has its own scientific weather station. 

You can see it extending from a black bracket attached to the brick above the cherry picker.  It's the little white thing, about the size of a ceramic insulator.  That's Bobby Brauns of LMC, our landscape contracter, who just finished installing it.

(Please note Bobby is wearing a safety harness.  We play by the rules around here.)

While our weather station won't tell us when to carry an umbrella or give news on the 8's, it performs a number of environmental duties for stadium operations.  It has a remote sensor that communicates with the irrigation system to let it know when and how much to water.  It also records rainfall and maintains records of barometric pressure, humidity and temperatures.  It alerts us when ice (a major hazard) is forming.

Limiting irrigation not only conserves water, but the energy consumed by running the system when it is not needed.  The installation of this weather wizard before summer will help us realize savings immediately.

Tomorrow, Bobby and his team will be back -- this time to install more of those grasses and perennials that help retain soil, prevent erosion, and filter runoff.  Our environmental efforts continue.

Weather or Not . . . A Great Time!!

I usually walk to work, but on that Wednesday morning, ominous skies and increasing wind gusts made the light rail seem a better choice. 

I was surprised to see a family of five, decked out in bright orange and black, among the early morning commuters heading my direction.

And they were REALLY fretting about the weather.

The family outing to Oriole Park was part of a very special school field trip the O's and MASN have been doing with WJZ-TV and their popular First Warning weather team for the past four years.

About 6,000 students and room parents made the early trip to Oriole Park for a lesson in meteorology, followed by an afternoon game against the Red Sox.  Participating schools came from all over Maryland (and included a few ringers from Delaware and Pennsylvania.)

Not only did they get to watch their favorite personalities (that's Bob Turk taking the field) explain the science of weather in terms they could understand, but they had fun learning how weather conditions relate to their everyday lives. 

Head Groundskeeper Nicole Sherry, fearless in the face of sudden thunderstorms, root rot, and flooded dugouts, shows how one touch of a static generator will make her hair stand on end.


Other presenters included Chris Strong from the National Weather Service and Lee Billingsley from the nearby Maryland Science Center.

For meteorologist Bernadette Woods, coming to Oriole Park is a special treat.  She was married here a few years ago, on Flag Court, which you can see just behind her.



That's meteorologist Tim Williams helping to explain how weather balloons are a forecasting tool. 

(The Bird seems very interested in this. Maybe he's trying to figure out why the two weathervanes on the scoreboard often point in different directions.)












Did the kids have a great time?   Take a look.  Do you remember ever getting this psyched over science class?  Not me.  Nor do I ever remember the field trips I chaperoned being this much fun. 

Weather Day is only one of many ways our teammates the Orioles connect with the community.  It is a source of pride to us here at the Maryland Stadium Authority that our facilities and our teammates provide so many other memorable experiences for the residents of our state.

And wouldn't you know it?   It never did rain, despite the misgivings of the excited family on the train.  It was their first trip to Oriole Park, but somehow I know it won't be their last.

(Special thanks to Todd Olszewski of the Baltimore Orioles for the great pictures.)