With an impending family trip to Bradford, PA for a weekend camping outing, we opted to make this week's exploration a short one. We decided to explore Baltimore and wrap up the day with an Orioles game. Our plans had a curve ball when Andrew's trip to the Goddard Space Flight Center, originally scheduled for Thursday morning, was pushed into the afternoon. Then, we took another hit when the bus that was scheduled to return the group from Goddard to Baltimore would not start and the return was delayed by more than 90 minutes.
Anyway - the theme of these trips is "unexpected." We just had to adjust our plans and deal with it.
Just as we had unexpected trip challenges, we also had unexpected treats! One of the first was our ticket location. A good friend, Rich Frank, left us seats in one of the suites at Camden Yards. With the 95 plus temperatures, the air conditioning was much appreciated! Since I arrived downtown much before Andrew, I decided to go into the stadium and watch the Twins hit batting practice. Camden Yards remains one of the best ballparks in the country and it's sad to see empty seats. Those that were there, we having a great time!
After a walking tour of the stadium, I purchased a chicken sandwich and retreated to the suite where I found a second unexpected treat. The suite was located next to the one for the Baltimore Sun and I had a chance to visit with Pat Sweeney and her husband, Gene. We struck up a wonderful conversation and she invited me to share the fare in the Sun's suite.
In the first inning, I watched O's pitcher Kevin Millwood get the first two batters out before issuing two walks sandwiched around a double, loading the bases. He then gave up another double - this one clearing the bases for a 3-0 Twins lead. Shortly after the inning ended, I got word from Andrew that he was back in Baltimore and I met him with his ticket.
He and I both enjoyed the food and friendship from the Pat. Andrew could not believe his good fortune when he found that the suite was serving crab cakes!
We watched Twins hitter Michael Cuddyear add a solo home run in the fourth and the Twins scored an insurance tally in the seventh. The story was pitcher Carl Pavano who pitched a complete-game five-hit shutout for the 5-0 win, improving his record to 12-6.
The last unexpected treat came in the seventh inning. Andrew found a friend from the National Aquarium, Gordon. He has been working Orioles games for 48 years. Amazing. As we were visiting with him near home plate, the Orioles first baseman, Ty Wigginton disagreed with a tag play at first and was tossed out after a strong argument (He later received a three-game suspension for bumping the umpire). Before the inning ended, pitching coach Rich Kranitz and manager Juan Samuel were also tossed out. Samuel made the most of his opportunity, including Frisbee tossing his hat toward the pitcher's mound as he left the field.
Our last chance for a unexpected treat came up a little short as a foul ball ricocheted off one of the stadium walls and rolled toward our seating area. I missed the catch behind my seat and the ball ended up under our seats. Unfortunately, the guy seated to my right was too quick and our chance for a MLB foul ball was gone!
All in all - a fun night at the yard - despite Andrew's late arrival, the lack of Oriole offense and the missed foul ball. The reason? The people - Rich Frank (thanks for the tickets!), Pat Sweeney (thanks for the fellowship) and Gordon (thanks for letting us watch the last three innings from great seats!). Next week, we have a much longer trip planned!
Mike
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