“Take me out to the ballgame; take me out with the crowd…” You don’t have to be a baseball fan to enjoy a day at the ballpark. I must admit I am slightly obsessed with the game (Go Sox!) but I often take non-fans to a game and as of yet, no one has been sorry they came along. There’s nothing like a sunny afternoon out in the fresh warm air enjoying a hot dog with mustard and hearing the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd as the baseball flies through the air. Aah, such bliss. The beauty of it all is that there is an affordable major league ballpark just a short and easy drive from almost anywhere in Anne Arundel County. It is also easily accessible by the MTA Light Rail system.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is often quoted as the most beautiful and well designed major league baseball stadium in existence today. It’s a marvelous mix of a retro style ballpark with a thoroughly modern feel. With Baltimore’s rich history of baseball and love of the game, a trip to see the Orioles will create lasting memories for young and old alike. Who knows, a future Cal Ripken Jr. may go to his first game with his dad this very summer! Go early to spend some time finding the bronze baseballs on the Eutaw Street walkway that mark significant home runs hit out of the park. Find Boog Powell’s BBQ stand and if you’re extra lucky, Boog himself may even be there to sign autographs or take a picture. There is plenty more trivia about the park here.
Oriole Park is only about 30 miles from Annapolis. It is very easily accessible with parking available on site and plenty more in several parking garages located just steps away. The Inner Harbor is close by if you’re making a full day of it. One of my favorite “must have” stops (for adults before the game) is Pickles Pub located just across the street from the main gate. There are more than several bars to grab a beer pre or post game but Pickles is definitely the grandfather of them all.
The Orioles organization is making it very easy and affordable for families to enjoy the ballpark. They, like several other MLB parks, have frozen their concession prices this year. In addition, they are offering many special ticket packages and deals on food. Click here to see all of the great offers available this year. The O’s average ticket prices are among the lowest in all professional sports. As many as ten times a month, the Orioles offer a special giveaway or contest to attending fans. From t-shirts to the classic foam finger, there is often a fun souvenir to take home. Tickets to every game are available online and often at the gate although you should definitely check before you go.
So come out to the ballpark, join along in a chorus of “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” in the seventh inning and act like a kid again. While you are at it, bring the kids in your life along with you. You won’t regret it!
