Oriole Park at Camden Yards (shortened to "Camden Yards" by fans) opened its gates in 1992, and continues to be the most influential ballpark in the modern era. Camden Yards is credited with bringing tradition back into baseball, and being the jump start of "retro" ballparks. Camden Yards was the first ballpark that had a historic feel, but all the modern amenities to make for a great viewing experience for any fan.
Perhaps the most recognizable thing about Camden Yards is not within the actual stadium. The B&O Warehouse dominates the view in right field, and is the longest brick building on the east coast. Originally built by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1899, the Orioles decided against demolishing the beautiful structure. Instead, they incorporated it into the design. The warehouse now serves as offices, team space, and a private club for the Baltimore Orioles.
The B&O Warehouse is not the only historic thing about Camden Yards. "The Great Bambino" Babe Ruth, was born a short distance away in downtown Baltimore. Some say that his father owned a pub in what is now center field. His included, there are bronze statues of Orioles legends in left-center field.
Not all history is a hundred years old though. From the parks opening, Orioles fans were witnessed history in the making. Over a three year-span, Cal Ripken, Jr. had set the most consecutive games record, once held by the Iron Horse himself, Lou Gehrig. There are also two orange seats that stick out from the other green seats. One of the seats represents the landing of Cal Ripkens record-breaking 278th home run as a shortstop. The other represents Eddie Murray's 500th homerun.
Camden Yards was the catalyst in an era in ballparks that spanned from 1994-2009. The architecture firm that designed Camden Yards, HOK Sport, had also made the AAA team Buffalo Bisons stadium, "Coca-Cola Field." When the Orioles became aware, they hired HOK Sport to design what would become the start of a revolution in baseball stadiums. "The House That Cal Built" was the first park to have a two-tiered bullpen for the home and away teams. From the start, Camden Yards was known as one of the most spectator-friendly stadiums around. The steep incline in the upper decks made sure that all fans could see any part of the playing field without an obstructed view. This carried on throughout stadiums thereafter.Just past the warehouse in center field, fans have a spectacular view of Downtown Baltimore. Another trend Baltimore started was having two major sports venues next to each other. Fans can enjoy Baltimore's famous barbecue and ribs during games. Situated a few blocks from the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. In the fall, fans go to both teams games in the same afternoon. But not a lot of people have gone to fall games since the Cal Ripken, Jr. era, since September games are usually meaningless to the Orioles. This is because they are a sub-par team in a near perfect division, as they are accompanied by the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rays in the AL East. They haven't clinched the playoffs since 1997.
Winning or not, Camden Yards is a great experience for not just Orioles fans, and all baseball fans. All baseball junkies should come on down to Baltimore, because visiting Camden Yards truly is an unmissable ballpark.
Next Weeks Edition of Ballpark Guide: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
