I talked Mom and Dad into taking me on a short trip to Maryland to visit some friends and catch an Orioles game.  I just can’t get enough baseball and I had to sneak in an extra game before the end of the regular season.  Dad had been to Camden Yards many times when he lived in Maryland, but this was my first time catching the birds in action.  Mom took a few pictures as we made our way inside. 
Here’s a shot looking down Eutaw street.
This area is closed off during games and has places to eat and shop in the warehouse.  I looked, but I couldn’t find any milk on tap here either. 

I guess we’re in the right place.

It was time to get serious and I told Dad to head in so we could watch batting practice.

We watched the O’s (that’s what you call the Orioles if you’re “in the know”) wrap up batting practice and then walked around to see the Rays play catch. 

 I had my glove ready and got Matt Garza to throw me his ball.  Thanks Matt!!!

It was nice and dirty, which is just how I like my baseballs. 

Scott Kazmir came over and gave me an autograph. 

I know Dad is an Orioles fan, but right about this time, I started to lean a little more towards the Rays.  They were all really nice to me and looked spiffy in their new haircuts.  More on that later. 

After batting practice, we wandered through the inside of the stadium.  The Orioles had a bunch of those fancy banners hanging up. 

I think you have to be pretty good or something to call yourself a World Champion.  Good for them.  I think they got all of these fancy flags a long time ago, because I don’t remember hearing about it.  I hope my Rockies get some shiny flags to hang in their stadium one day.

Mom and Dad kept talking about this seafood stuff, so we walked around to see what kind of food they had for sale.  I’m not impressed unless there’s milk or cheerios involved.  Although, I did discover cheese and meat this week.  That yellow cheese stuff is something to yell about. 

As we walked around, I spotted The Bird.  He came over, gave me a high five and took a picture with us. 
I liked listening to him.  He talks in chirps, which I’ve found is a great way to talk to people.  We were on the same page and I invited him to stay with us if he ever makes it out to Colorado.

It was a perfect night for baseball. 
  We had a great view from our seats.

Let me introduce you to our friends, Floyd, Patty and Chris. 

Floyd and Patty are moving to Colorado later this year.  I can’t wait to see more of them.  They’re funny and like to play.  Dad and Chris have been friends for a long time.  He brought me a fancy hat from NASA, which is where he works.  I just happen to overhear them talking about Chris’s wedding next May.  Sounds like Dad is going to be doing something important in the wedding and for me, that means a trip back to Maryland next year.  Let me just say that I have no idea what a wedding is, but I do know that May falls in baseball season.  I’m going to have to get my schedules out and catch some games while we’re in town. 

Anyway, the O’s lost 5-2, but guess what…  It was a DOUBLEHEADER!!!  Yeah, my first one!  Why can’t all games be doubleheaders?  Let’s see, I pay for one ticket and get two games!  Pappy was a math teacher for a long time, but I didn’t need his help with this one.  Even I know that’s a great deal. 

We walked over to the bullpen between games so I could stretch my legs.

The weather was perfect for me and with the light crowd, we could have had just about any seat in the house.

Here’s the starting lineups for both teams. 
There were a few players on the Rays that I wanted to check out.  One was Evan Longoria. 
I think he’s a good ball player and he’s got a great haircut.  If I ever get enough hair, I’ve got my first look all picked out.  Check it out.
I also wanted to catch a glimpse of David Price.  He had started his first MLB game the night before, so I guess we had just missed him. 

Everyone in Baltimore was super nice to me.  They kept asking me if this was my first game.  Come on guys, I’m baby Paul.  Are you sure you haven’t heard of me?  I told Dad I’m going to get him a shirt with my web address on the back, so he can advertise my blog while we’re at games.  I did manage to hand out some business cards that Pappy made for me.  I’m networking and making connections everywhere I go. 

Anyway, while it clearly wasn’t my first MLB game, it WAS my first game at Camden Yards and that was enough to earn me this great certificate. 

They gave me schedules, pictures, an autograph of The Bird and some baseball cards.  Who says people on the east coast are rude?  They were awfully nice to me. 
Dad, do we have to go home??? 
The Orioles also lost game #2.  We had a great time, but it was all over way too soon. 

It’s pretty late and I need to catch up on my zzz’s.  The race for the postseason is red hot.  More on that next time!

-PBR