May 25, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Indians, Mother's Federal Hill and Rip-Cord Bracelet Give-A-Way.

On Sunday May 25, 2014, I attended the Orioles game vs the Cleveland Indians.  I arrived at the parking lot around opening time just after 10 AM. I arrived at the stadium earlier than normal since across the street at M&T bank stadium the NCAA Lacrosse finals were being held, and they used the same parking lot for attendees of both the Lacrosse game and Orioles game (I knew traffic would get bad and parking would be tough if I waited till closer to game time).

Since I arrived so early I decided I would go to a great breakfast location in Federal Hill, Mother's (http://www.mothersgrille.com/mothers-federal-hill-grille).  I've been here before, and this bar is a great bar for any Orioles or Ravens fan. Its also just a short walk from the stadium down hamburg street, and convenient if you are parking in Lot G or F.

Upon arrival I figured I would start the morning off right with a Pitcher of Mimosa (which was reasonable at $12 for about 4-5 glasses worth of drinks).

Pitcher of Mimosa

Their breakfast menu at Mother's is great.  I've gotten the Crab and Shrimp omelet previously and wanted to try something new. This time I got the Tipitina's Crab & Shrimp Quesadilla. The quesadilla had scrambled eggs, crab, shrimp, cedar cheeses with fresh cilantro. 

Tipitina's Crab & Shrimp Quesadilla

The food was excellent.  I also ordered a side of home fries which is also always great at mothers. Most of Mother's breakfast items are around $10-!5, the quesadilla was $15. I know I'll be back to this place as I have to try some of their other breakfast items (and even lunch items) such as the Crab McMothers which is two petite crab cakes on english muffins with poached eggs, old bay & hollandaise (sounds awesome).

I arrived at the stadium right about when the gates opened at 11:30 AM.  Today the Orioles were giving away a Orioles Rip Cord Bracelet to the first 20,000 fans 15 and over. 

Orioles Rip-Cord Bracelet

The weather was perfect for the game and I was hoping I would see the first Sunday home win of the season. Lucky for me I did get to see the Orioles beat the Indians 4-2.  Gonzalez started out by giving up 2 runs in the first inning, but luckily he would be lights out for the rest of the game. The Orioles were able to score a run in the 2nd and 3rd inning tying the game up in the third. Manny Machado and Nelson Curz both hit homers in the bottom of the 5th, giving the Orioles the lead 4-2. 

The O's ended the game 4-2  with Zach Britton picking up a save and Gonzalez with his 3rd win.

5/25/14 Orioles vs Indians Game Day Picture

May 13, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Tigers, Cruz T-Shirt Give-A-Way.

On May 13, 2014, I decided to attend the Orioles vs Tigers game, partially since it was a Nelson Cruz T-shirt give-a-way (every attendee got one).  I almost didn't attend since the next day I would be leaving for London.  I arrived at the stadium and the weather was perfect. Being a Tuesday game it was fairly empty and I decided to stop by Stuggy's at Camden Yards to try the Breakfast Dog.  I previously talked about Stuggy's on my April 26, 2014 post regarding the Crab Mac n Cheese dog. 

Stuggy's Breakfast Dog

The Breakfast Dog had egg, cheese, bacon and of course a hot dog.  The hot dog was good, I really enjoyed the crunchy bacon.  If I had to choose between Stuggy's hot dog I'd take the Crab Mac n Cheese Dog over the Breakfast dog any day.  They are both the same price at about $8, and are both worth a try. 

Since it was Tuesday, the crowd wasn't very large.  The picnic area was also open so prior the the Seating area was open I hung out in the picnic section of Camden Yards near Center Field (frequently this area is closed when a group rents out the area for game day festivities). 

Picnic Area in Camden Yards

The game started out well for the Orioles and they took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Ubaldo Jimenez probably pitched his best game of the season with seven scoreless innings and seven strikeouts. 

The Orioles entered the 9th inning with a 1-0 lead and Tommy Hunter came in.  Tommy got two outs in the top of the 9th but two men reached base. Miquel Cabreara came up and hit a 3-run homer. Victor Martinez would also homer in the top of the 9th.

Orioles lost 4-1.

Least I got my CRUUUUUUUUZ shirt. 

Nelson Cruz T-shirt Give-a-way

May 11, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Astros, and Ryleigh's Oyster House Federal Hill.

On May 11, 2014, I was gearing up for the Orioles game vs the Astros at Camden Yards.  I was looking forward to see the O's first Sunday home win and the O's maintain their winning streak. I decided upon pre-gaming at Ryleigh's Oyster (http://www.ryleighs.com) house in Federal Hill by the Cross Street Market a short 10 minute walk from the ballpark down Hamburg St.  I've been to Ryleigh's before so I knew what to expect, great seafood. Ryleigh's Oyster house is a little on the pricer side (around $15-$20) a plate but is expected with quality seafood.

View of Score Board

My first go to ordering was of course the Orange Crush.  The best Orange Crush in Baltimore!!!

Ryleigh's Orange Crush

The Orange Crush was around $8, I believe on happy hour they can be had for $5. I also learned Ryleigh's has happy hour on monday till 10PM, and has some awesome $5 chef plates each weekday (which I have experienced in the past...and they are awesome...last time I had bacon wrapped scallops on asparagus for $5). After quenching my thirst, I decided to give the fried oyster tacos. I'm a big fan of raw oysters, and do like fried oysters (i prefer them raw though). So people afraid of trying raw oysters may prefer the fired variety. 

Fried Oyster Tacos

The fried oyster tacos were excellent. I was surprised at the size of the fried oysters, normally fired oysters are significantly smaller than the raw variety, but not in theses tacos. The tacos were garnished in a mango/pineapple salsa, avocado and a sauce. The appetizer was $11, and defiantly worth a try for any oyster fan.

Being that Ryleigh's specializes in seafood, I decided my entree should be the seared ahi sushi grade tuna at $20.

Seared Ahi tuna

The seared tuna was also excellent.  It was served on top of beans, salsa, a sauce and had some garnish as well.  My only complaint would be you didn't get a ton of tuna with the entree (it was good but if you are really hungry you'll probably need more food). 

Ryleigh's has some other offerings on the cheaper side if you want a sandwich and not a full on entree.  I've never had bad food at this place to date, and their Oysters are excellent (they normally carry around 6-20 different Oyster varieties depending on the season, I personally like to stick to the blue points or choptank oysters).

After filling up with food we headed over to the game.  Being Mother's day it was packed (and they were giving out free hats to the first 25,000 females). The gates took longer than normal to get in (I normally always carry a backpack with me the back check took longer than normal...If you don't have a bag use the express lanes they are quicker since you won't stop at the bag check table...although I see plenty of people enjoy waiting in the long bag check line that have no bags...).

The game started off poor for the Orioles.  Tillman was pitching for the Orioles and gave up 3 runs in the first inning. The O's scored 2 runs in the bottom of the third, but then gave up another 2 runs in the 7th inning.

The final score was 5-2 Astros.  The O's 5 game win streak ended, but their streak of not winning a home sunday game continues....

May 10, 2014, Pfitzner Stadium (Woodbridge, VA). Potomac Nationals vs Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

On May 10, 2014, I ventured to Woodbridge Virginia to see the Potomac Nationals (Single A affiliate of the Nationals) play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single A affiliate of the Rangers).  It was a little overcast that day but was slowly clearing up. The game was honoring police and first responders, and of course there was a give-a-way.

Police Pre-Game Festivities

The give-a-way was a Potomac Nationals logo baseball and was given to the first 1,000 people.  They still had plenty of balls minutes before the game (I'm not sure if they ever ran out).

Give-A-Way Logo Baseball

After entering the gates and getting my logo baseball I went into the team store immediately next to the entrance gate.  The team store is the only place in the ball park that took credit cards (so make sure you have cash if you come to a game here). At the team store I purchased a fitted hat, which I've been doing this year at each team/stadium I visit.

Fitted Potomac Nationals Hat from Team Store

After leaving the team store I decided to pick up some food.  There are few choices at the game, as expected in a Single A stadium and they are all right around the front gate, with some exceptions. Luckily I had enough money to buy food. I decided to eat like a kid and get some ball park food.  I ended up with the mini-corn dogs, onion rings, and of course a souvenir soda.  The total was $16.50, so yes you pay Major League prices which seems to be typical at most minor leagues stadiums.  The souvenir soda wan't a bad deal if you live in Virginia and are near a Circle K store, apparently you get a free soda at Circle K if you hold on to the cup (so basically bottomless soda at a Circle K).

Mini Corn Dogs

Onion Rings

Souvenir Soda

After eating my food, I went to the seats.  I bought tickets right behind home plate in box H, Row A for $14 each (I had tickets for seat 1 and 2). The seats are a bit old, and may be a little uncomfortable.  I actually thought that the bleacher seats, which are cheaper might actually be more comfortable. My seat in particular (seat 1) was not very comfortable since there is a large bar next to me as part of the support for the box. The view was great however, but if you want to sit in the boxes stick with seats right off the isle.  Our seats were actually right next to several scouts and members of the teams playing (they had radar guns, notebook computers and the works). I believe two of the Potomac Nationals Players were sitting in the box next to us (Box G) as a few kids recognized them and got autographs. 

View of the Filed from Seats

The game was pretty good as well.  The Potomac Nationals started off a little rough but then turned it on. The Potomac Nationals won the game 6-5 after leading most of the game 6-3.  I did like watching some of the minor league players even from the other team.  One standout player who likely will be in Double A soon was Joey Gallo #14 and third baseman for the Pelicans. He hit a home run in the game, which was actually his 13th of the year, and was batting with a .317 average. 

View of Filed Game Time

Overall the game was fun and it was nice to see how the minor leagues games and stadiums differ from the Majors.

May 2, 2014, Harbor Park (Norfolk VA). Norfolk Tides vs Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

On May 2, 2014, I checked out one of the Orioles AAA Minor League affiliates, the Norfolk Tides.  The Norfolk Tides were playing the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders a AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees.

I arrived in Norfolk around 2PM and checked into my hotel, the Waterside Marriott located in Downtown Norfolk.  One of the reason for my choice of the hotel was I would be able to walk around downtown instead of using my car during the short stay.  In addition, there was a light rail station near by the hotel which I would be able to take to the game (they call their light rail "the tide").

Waterside Marriott, Norfolk VA

I hopped on the light rail after purchasing my all day $3 ticket around 5:15 PM.  The ride was a quick 2 stops east to the Harbor Park stop which was about a 5-6 minute ride.  The light rail was pretty empty, nothing compared to the masses of people in DC's Metro, or even Baltimore's light rail after or before games. 

Outside Harbor Park by 3rd Base Gate

I arrived at the stadium (Harbor Park) about an hour and a half before the game.  There was almost no one in line, even though it was a blanket give-a-way night, and the gates at Harbor Park opened 65 minutes before game time (I was actually the fourth person in line). 

Blanket Give-A-Way

3rd Base Line, Harbor Park

Once the stadium opened I entered the 3rd base gate and looked around to see some of the food vendors.  Before getting food I stopped by the information center desk behind home plate to get my Birdland Passport stamped. I initially picked up my Birdland passport in Camden Yards off Eutaw Street near fan services. Anyone can pick one up for free and get a stamp for all the Orioles affiliates stadiums you visit. If you manage to get stamps at 5 of the 6 stadiums you can get a special Orioles prize (a T-Shirt). If you get all 6 stamps you can get entered into winning a spring training trip. After getting my stamp on my passport I picked up some food.

Birdland Passport

Birdland Passport with Stamp

I ended up getting food at one of the stands and settled for chicken tenders, fries, and a souvenir soda. The price for food did mirror the Major League stadiums. I paid $7.50 for the chicken tenders basket (with fries), and about $5 for the souvenir soda. 

Food and Souvenir Soda

My tickets for the game were in the front row along the 1st base line between the foul pole and 1st base (Section 120, Row A). The seats weren't bad but after a few innings I got tired of the angle (i.e., in hindsight I would have bought a ticket closer to first base in a further back row to see better).  The ticket price though for my seats were $11 (which are actually the most expensive seats in the Stadium, if you buy in advance you may have to pay some convenience fees and ticket master fees which I did and it cost me $17 total). If you want to avoid the convenience fees there were plenty of empty seats at the stadium and tickets could be purchased on the day of the game at the home plate box office prior to the game, and once gates opened at the other box offices (i.e., 3rd base box office).

View from Section 120

View from Section 120

Prior to the game, there were plenty of pre-game activities.  They flew in the person to throw the first pitch into the stadium via a helicopter, as he was the local meteorologist for the local news. 

Helicopter Fly In

They were also celebrating the local girl-scouts recent cookie sale prior to the game. I also saw a few players that were previously on the Oriole's Major League team, including Alexi Castilla (#12).

Alexi Castilla #12

For anyone who is looking to get autographs its a good idea to get to the game at gate opening and pick up a program. Within the program they have an insert with the players roster and numbers for both the home and away team.  That way you might get a chance to spot a person and autograph you want (and can call them by their name). Where I sat was perfect for autographs from the home team prior to the game since most of the players warmed up right in front of me (and many kids were successfully getting autographs). 

The game started and the tides took an early lead with 2 runs in the bottom of the first. I was amused by many of the between inning events the Tides mascot, Riptide, did on the field. He drove a motorcycle around the park, played tug-of-war, and ran the bases with a kid. It was a great family atmosphere. 

Riptide running the bases with a Kid Challenger

The game was all the Tides from the 1st to the 9th inning.  I did notice a few names though on the RailRiders squad I recalled being in the Majors.  One of which was Scott Sizemore.

Scott Sizemore #22

The Tides ended up shutting out the RailRiders in a 10-0 score. 

Final Score Board 10-0 Tides

The experience was overall exciting and very family friendly. There was definitely a more laid back feel to the game and you got to see plenty of things you rarely see in the Majors (i.e., more errors and slow pitches). Hopefully, I'll get to return to Harbor Park again and maybe I'll be able to score some great autographs from future Major Leaguers (i.e., I didn't come prepared for autographs this night).

Harbor Park, Norfolk VA (behind home plate)

May 1, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles Double Header vs. the Pirates.

After two straight days of Orioles' rained out games, I was finally able to attend an Orioles game against the Pirates on May 1, 2014.  This game would also be a single ticket double header to make up the April 29th game and April 30th game. So anyone with tickets to April 29th or 30th game could see both games with one ticket (those with April 30th tickets had to exchange their tickets prior to the game). It would also be a give-a-way day providing the Orioles first T-Shirt give-a-way of the year for the "I like our Guys" T-Shirt that would have been given out on April 30th's game had there been one.

T-Shirt Give-A-Way Front

T-Shirt Give-A-Way Back

The give-a-way was provided to all attendees of the game (they had shirts through at least 9pm well after the 2nd game got started).  This is 1 of 6 T-shirt give-a-ways for the year that go to all fans (there is one T-shirt give-a-way every month that is provided to all fans in commemoration of the Orioles 60th anniversary.  There are a few additional T-Shirt give-a-ways during the year which are limited handouts and don't go to all attendees). 

I arrived at the Stadium prior to the first game which start time was 4:05PM. The weather was amazing at about 75 degrees and bright and sunny.  I initially went into the game to my cheap tickets (upper deck row 384, row 1 at $9 a seat) but quickly realized no one was at the first game so I ended up "poaching" seats in an almost empty section with some friends in Section 53 (I got several friends tickets in the section and saw the section was 1/2 empty so I didn't steal anyone's seat). 

Panorama from Section 384 with almost empty Stadium prior to 1st Pitch.

View from Section 53

So the first game started at around 4:05 PM with Bud Norris pitching for the Orioles and Charlie Morton for the Pirates.  The Pirates started out scoring the first run in the 3rd inning.  The Orioles would start a rally in the bottom of the 5th scoring 3 runs, with Steve Pearce getting a RBI, and Ryan Flaherty hitting to get 2 RBIs.  Steve Pearce would get his 2nd RBI in the bottom of the 6th, and Nick Markakis would hit a home run in the bottom of the 7th.  The Orioles won the first game 5-1.

Game 2 didn't look like it would be good for baseball since the rain came back.  The first game ended around 7:35 and the plan was to have game 2 of the double header begin around 8:05.  The rain said otherwise, and the game started around 8:55 PM. Game 2 pitchers would be Chris Tillman for the Orioles and Brandon Cumpton for the Pirates. 

The game for the Orioles didn't start out well.  Tilllman was high in the pitch count early on in the game, and the Pirates scored 2 early runs in the 1st, both by walk in runs.  So I started to get hungry after being at the game for somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 hours already (and I consumed all the snacks I brought with me). So I went to the"Old Bay Seafood" stand behind Section 43. I was leery of trying the food since it seemed a little high price but I gave it a shot.  I got the Chesapeake Crab Roll (instead of the Crab Cake).

Chesapeake Crab Roll

The Crab Roll was $16. Yes $16.  I would tell anyone going to the Stadium it is definitely not worth the money.  So skip the illusion of this stand and go somewhere cheaper and better (Stuggy's for $9 Crab Mac N Cheese Dog is a much better option).  The Crab Roll was good but nothing spectacular...defiantly not $16 worth. The Crab Cake was $15 and didn't seem to be much better and after trying the Crab Roll I don't think I'm going to give the Crab Cake a chance at these prices.  I don't plan to try this place again with their insane prices (but I'm sure they get plenty of tourists to try Baltimore's Crab Cakes...well I doubt these are anything like the real Crab Cakes of Baltimore...they are definitely not the quality of G&M's which is where anyone who wants to try real Crab Cakes from Baltimore needs to go to.).

So I went back to Section 53 with my friends to watch the rest of the game.  I had one of my friends join us in Section 53 well after 9 PM and there were still T-Shirts, and the Orioles released $5 tickets to help fill up the 1/2 empty stadium due to the rain fiasco and ticket exchange issues. 

View from Section 53, Game 2

The Pirates ended up scoring a run in both the 5th and 6th inning so the score was 4-0 Pirates by the Middle of the 6th.  It wasn't looking good for the Orioles. The Orioles though ended up rallying in the bottom of the 6th inning scoring 4 runs and tying the game at 4-4. The top of the 7th the Pirates scored another run, now 5-4 Pirates.  The Orioles answered back in the bottom of the 7th with another Nick Markakis home run.  The game remained tied in the 9th inning 5-5.  Now the game was going into extra innings and it was around 1 AM...yes there had been almost 9 hours of baseball thus far (and of course many people were leaving the stadium due to the time).

The bottom of the 10th, with the game still tied 5-5 Matt Wieters came up to bat. He launched a ball deep right field...Home Run!!! Walk off win for the Orioles!  O's won game 2 of the double header 6-5.

Game Over!!! Walk Off Home Run Game 2.