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Baltimore Orioles: Camden Yards a finalist in Reader’s Digest awards

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles waves to the crowd after getting a standing ovation before his first at bat in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 24: J.J. Hardy #2 of the Baltimore Orioles waves to the crowd after getting a standing ovation before his first at bat in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 24, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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According to Reader’s Digest, the home of the Baltimore Orioles is one of the top 10 nicest places in the United States.

Unfortunately, the home of the Baltimore Orioles, Camden Yards, was not named the nicest place in the US. According Reader’s Digest, that honor belongs to Gallatin, Tennessee.

Camden Yards was up against some stiff competition. Along with Gallatin, the competition included a high school in Texas, a 310-year-old city in Maryland, a family home in Ohio, a group of families in Wisconsin, and cities in Nebraska, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Washington.

Why the park was nominated

Oriole Park at Camden Yards (OPACY) is the only sports stadium that was included in the list. These locations were nominated by Reader’s Digest readers who would have had to nominate the park in the online form. In fact, Reader’s Digest is accepting nominations for 2018 here.

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The park was nominated because it doesn’t just pay homage to the greatest game and the greatest players, but for the little players who inspire those around them. OPACY earned its spot on the list because of the Birdland Community Heroes. Reader’s Digest shared the story of one such hero who grew out his hair for two years to later cut it off to share with children who have cancer. This young boy was honored by an appearance at home plate and by spending time with Adam Jones.

Orioles fans are nice people

But Camden Yards does more than just honor local heroes. The fans of the Orioles are just nice people. They warmly welcome fans from opposing teams. Even when the O’s lose, fans are in good moods as they leave the park. As a writer who has covered other teams, I can honestly say that the Orioles fans who read this blog are very kind and supportive.

Parting gifts for first-time visitors

Rookie visitors to the park can get customized certificates that commemorate their time at the park and it’s those little things that get people to love this park. The certificates have personalized calligraphy on them and the employees at the Fan Assistance Centers around the park have been designing them since 1992.

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Camden Yards is deserving of being named one of the nicest places in the country. Even though baseball fans are known for fervently supporting their home teams, baseball brings people together more than it separates them. Thank you, Reader’s Digest readers for noticing how special Oriole Park at Camden Yards really is.

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