June 29, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Rays, Dempsey's Pub and Oriole Hat Give-A-Way

On Sunday June 29, 2014, I attended the Orioles final game of the Ray's 4 game series at Camden Yards.  The day was a Orioles baseball hat give-a-way which was a replica of the 1954 Orioles.  The baseball hats were given out to the first 20,000 fans 15 and over and was sponsored by DAP. 

Orioles Give-A-Way 6/29/14, Orioles 1954 Hat Replica

Since I arrived at the game early, I thought I'd finally give Dempsey's Brew Pub (http://www.dempseysbaltimore.com) a chance just off Eutaw Street.  It is the only sit down restaurant that anyone can access at Camden Yards (there are a few I believe at Club Level).  We also got a seat outside right on Eutaw Street which was fun to people watch and since it was such a great day outside. 

View from Table on Eutaw St.

I went in not expecting very much from the place since many people who have went to the Brew Pub did not talk highly of the beer.  So my first course of business was to choose one of Dempsey's own brews, and I went with the '83 Golden Ale (the others are Wild Pitch Wheat, Rick's Red Ale, and Rain Delay IPA).

'83 Golden Ale

Well, I'll have to say the beer was nothing to write home about.  It was ok and at ballpark prices ($7.75).  To be honest, I probably would have preferred a Yuengling as the '83 Golden Ale was not any better than the Yuengling (though Yuengling in my opinion is actually a pretty good brew, but I expected something exceptional since Dempsey's brews the beer themselves).

Old Bay Wings at Dempsey's

My next course of business was selecting an appetizer.  I went with the Wings with Old Bay but was tempted by their other flavors of Sweet Thai, Lemon Pepper, BBQ, Buffalo, or Dempsey's Sauce (the Wings were $12).  When the wings came out I saw the Old Bay was a dry rub so I wasn't expecting too much (most old bay wings end up being dry rub, I personally prefer sauce style wings).  The wings looked like they were grilled or just lightly fried.  They were good wings, but if I had the choice again I would defiantly pick another appetizer since there nothing spectacular and just about anyone can throw some old bay on wings and get roughly the same effect as theses wings. 

"The Walk Off"

My final choice at Dempsey's was one of their signature entree items, "The Walk Off".  The Walk Off is an Old Bay Roma Sausage in a Pretzel Roll with Dempsey's House Made Old Bay Crab dip.  The thing was huge and it looked awesome.  I added old bay fries with my food so "The Walk Off" came in at $16 and another $5 to add fires (Chips would have come with no extra charge).  The Walk Off was awesome and definitely worth a try and a trip to Dempsey's even considering the mediocre beer and wings.  

"The Walk Off" being devoured

My friend got the Crab pretzel at one time, and it turns out "The Walk Off" is the same thing except you get a sausage thrown in the pretzel and a side (the Crab pretzel is only $12).  The Old Bay fries were ok, but I was expecting a little more.  My friend got the sweat potato tater tots and I tried one.  The sweet potato tater tots are the best option of side on the menu...they were awesome.  They came with a raspberry sauce and were delicious.  So if you get any sides, say no to the temptation of the Old Bay fries (...I know thats hard to say as a Marylander...) but do get the sweat potato tater tots. 

So overall, the food was good at Dempsey's, some of their specials and sides were amazing.  So far I'd have to agree with everyone I've heard comment on their beer thus far, its not much to talk about (but I do want to give the other beers a chance...who knows).

The service, well its inside the ball park and it gets mobbed when the gates open (that is when we got there...about 2 hours before game time).  The service wasn't very quick and not very helpful.  We had to ask for silver wear, napkins, and to remind our server that he forgot the crab pretzel.  Then he had the nerve to say there was a "malfunction" in the oven that couldn't cook it (...probably the same one that successfully cooked the same looking pretzel item I ate before we got the crab pretzel...). 

Anyway, don't expect fast or good service during game days.  It would be nice though if some of the items were a little cheaper (the cost is about $40 a person with 1 beer, an appetizer, and an entree with "premium" side). 

Field Pre-Game from Section 67

So after eating I went to my seats for the game.  I was really hoping we would split the series with the Rays.  The first 5 innings was a back and forth challenge with the Orioles and the Rays.  Miguel Gonzalez was the starter for the Orioles and was facing Alex Cobb of the Rays.  

Gonzalez gave up a run in the top of the first with a Zobrist double that Jennings scored on.  Matt Joyce hit a homer off Gonzalez in the top of the 3rd giving the Rays a 2-0 lead.  The Orioles would answer back with a run in the bottom of the 3rd.  Bottom of the 4th Manny Machado hit a 2 run homer giving the Orioles the lead 3-2.  Zobrist would homer off Gonzalez in the top of the 5th brining the game tied 3-3 (and Gonzalez was taken out of the game and replaced by Evan Meek.

Gonzalez on the Mound

The Orioles would score in the bottom of the 5th taking back the lead 4-3.  Then...all hell broke lose.  The Orioles gave up 7 runs in the top of the 6th.  The Orioles would give up another 2 runs in the top of the 7th.  Shockingly, with the Orioles replacements in the bottom of the 9th they managed to get 3 more runs off a 3 run homer from Ryan Flaherty (who was put in around the 8th inning to replace JJ Hardy).

All in all, the Orioles lost 12-7.  So much for splitting the series. 

June 28, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Rays, State of the Orioles, and Crush City T-Shirt Give-A-Way

At Camden Yards on Saturday June 28, 2014, the Orioles held their annual State of the Orioles address prior to the 4:05 game against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The State of the Orioles address is open to all Season Ticket Holders (full season, 29 game plans, and 13 game plans).  The full season holders and 29 game plan holders got to get in earlier than the 13 game plan holders and were also allowed to participate in the autograph session held for them (though from seeing the lines and hearing people, many of them did not get autographs).  

Lines by Gate A at Camden Yards

I am a 13 game holder so I got to go in at 1:15, prior to the 1:30 State of the Orioles address.  The lines were a little more awkward then normal prior to the game since there was a line for 13 game plan holders, normal tickets, and those participating in the autograph session for full season ticket holders and 29 game plan holders. 

Upon entering the Stadium I was given the day's Give-A-Way.  A Crush City performance T-Shirt.  A T-shirt was given to the first 20,000 fans 15 and over. 

Crush City T-Shirt Give-A-Way

Waiting for Buck and Dan

The State of The Orioles was held at 1:30 on top of the visiting dugout.  Fans got to hear from Buck Showalter, and Dan Duquette.  After Buck and Dan spoke the fans got to ask questions.  There were plenty of questions asking Buck about his decision making, and Dan about how he was going to keep Manny Machado an Oriole.

Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette

I really enjoyed some of Buck's responses to fans, he seems like a down to earth person and very comical.  He explained to fans on one question that he knew everyone expected them to be perfect all the time and that they would try.  One of the questions for both Buck and Dan was what was their favorite baseball movie.  Dan answered the question with "Bang the Drum Slowly", and Buck said his was "Sandlot".  Buck and Dan even asked the fan her favorite movie which turned out to be "The Field of Dreams".  Dan also spoke briefly on the Manny Machado bat issue.  He did mention he didn't think it was equitable for the batter who "threw" a bat to get a 5 day suspension when the pitcher who almost threw at Machado after a recent injury was warned once, then thrown out the second time he almost hit Machado and isn't facing any suspension.

Batting Practice

Overall the State of the Orioles address was pretty neat to see the Coach and Front Office face to face with the Fans.  It really showed how much they appreciated the fans. 

The nice thing about getting in to the stadium so early is I got to see some batting practice with the Orioles.  Normally about 2 hours or an 1.5 hours prior to the game the visiting team is up for batting practice (so this was a rarity to see the O's batting practice).  I got to see David Lough, Adam Jones, Chris Davis and a few other Orioles take their practice swings on the field.  The Season Ticket holders who got to see the State of the Orioles were also given 1/2 price food options behind Home Plate (which was kind of nice, but I didn't buy any food in the Stadium today). 

Retired Numbers Banners behind Home Plate

Since I had a ton of time before the game I wondered the Stadium a bit.  I got to see some neat things in the Stadium behind Home Plate which I haven't noticed before.  Behind Home Plate they have banners of all the retired numbers for the Orioles.  On the banners they also have the year in which they were retried.

World Series and Pennants behind Home Plate

I also noticed a painted mural behind Home Plate which listed the Orioles World Series Wins and American League East Championship wins.  

After wondering around the Home Plate concessions I then went off to see what else was around, and found several freebie give-a-ways by some other vendors.  On Eutaw Street right by Gate A, I saw MASN which was giving away sunglasses for those who would follow them on Twitter, and Outback Steakhouse which was giving away Coozies along with $5 Coupons.  On the Lower Level, behind roughly Section 17 was the Chevy dealership who gave a way an Oriole bag for those who gave out their e-mail address to get some spam (little do they know I gave them my e-mail with a .net when it should have been .com... hahahaha). 

Free MASN Sunglasses, and Free Outback Coozie (and $5 Coupon)

Free Chevy Orioles Bag

The game started around 4:05 and it was a bright sunny day.  Chen would be the starting pitcher for the Orioles and former Oriole, Erik Bedard would be pitching for the Rays.  Chen didn't start out very well.  He gave up a 1 run homer in the 1st, followed by a 2 run homer in the 2nd.  Chen would then give up another 2 run homer in the 4th and was then replaced by Brad Branch. 

The Orioles didn't give up anymore runs the game. The Oriole's bats woke up in the bottom of the 6th inning with Nick Markakis hitting a home run to right field. Manny Machado would hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the 8th and Adam Jones would hit in another run in the bottom of the 8th.  The Orioles were unfortunately unable to get anymore runs in the game and lost 5-4.

The Orioles made the game close at the end but finished just short (they missed a few good opportunities and left men in scoring position a few too many times without capitalizing on it). 

June 27, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Rays, Floppy Hat Give-A-Way.

Friday June 27, 2014, was the infamous Floppy Hat Give-A-Way day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.  The Orioles have a Floppy Hat night every year (or at least as long as I can remember).  The day's game was against the Tampa Bay Rays, and was the second game of a double header (the Orioles lost game 1).

Floppy Hat June 27, 2014

The Floppy Hat was given out to the first 20,000 fans 21 or older (though I'm sure plenty people under 21 got them).  Chris Tillman was the starting pitcher for the orioles and was looking for win number 7. 

Lucky for the Orioles, Chris Tillman would get win number 7.  Tillman gave up a home run in the 2nd inning but was lights out for the rest of the game.  In the bottom of the 2nd, the Orioles would come back to score a run with a Nick Hundley fly ball to Left Field and JJ Hardy on 2nd.  Nick Hundley would homer in the bottom of the 6th bringing the Orioles to a 2-1 lead.  Nelson Cruz added to his home run list with number 25 in the bottom of the 7th with Adam Jones on earning Cruz 2 more RBIs.

Camden Yards

Zach Britton came on in a save situation in the 9th and put away the Rays, earning himself his 10th save.  Orioles won 4-1. 

June 22, 2014, Nationals Park (DC). Nationals vs Braves, Baseball Cap give-a-way and Signature Sunday.

On June 22, 2014, I attended the Nationals vs Braves game at Nationals Park.  Today, being a Sunday, would be a Signature Sunday.  The first 20,000 fans would also receive a baseball cap sponsored by MASN. 

Baseball Cap Give-A-Way (first 20,000 fans)

I got to the gates early like normal on Sunday to get a signature voucher (I arrived at 10:00 AM and was about the third person in line).  On Sunday's the Nationals Park only opens 3 gates at fist, the Center Gate, and the two season pass holder lines with the red carpet (So if you plan to get there early make sure you get in the right line or you may not get a signature voucher).  From talking with fellow Nationals fans who I've waited in line at several times with Signature Sundays there appears to be about 75 vouchers for each player given out (2 players sign each Sunday). 

Game Time Picture Nats vs. Braves 6/22/14

This Sunday would be a great Signature Sunday with Tyler Clippard signing and Gio Gonzalez. I was able to get Gio Gonzalez's autograph.  I was glad I got a good signature since I wasn't able to get a Major League Baseball at my local sporting goods store and bought one in the stadium for $32...yes $32 (way over priced, they should cost $18).

Gio Gonzalez signed Baseball

After getting my autograph I went to thus far my favorite hot dog stand in Nationals Park, Box Fritas and got their BLT dog again.  The hot dog is amazing, although I really do need to try their other hot dogs which sound just as good. 

BLT Dog from Box Fritas

The game for the Nationals also started out awesome.  The Nationals scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st.  The Nationals scored another run in the bottom of the 5th.  Tanner Roark pitched a great game.  He pitched 5 1/3 inning giving up only 1 run in the 6th.  The Nationals went on to beat the Braves 4-1.

Panorama of Nationals Park 

June 15, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Blue Jays, Father's Day Fedora Give-A-Way and Picnic Perch

On Father's Day Sunday June 15, 2014, I went to the Orioles vs Blue Jays game at Camden Yards with my Dad.  The weather was excellent, bright and sunny.  There was a Father's Day Give-A-Way just like almost every Father's Day at Camden Yards.  This year's Give-A-Way was an Orioles Fedora to the first 20,000 Men 18 or older. 

Orioles Father's Day 2014 Fedora Give-A-Way

The Orioles also have started holding a unique event at Camden Yards on Father's Day.  They sell a package which includes 2 tickets, 2 baseballs and an on-field experience.  

Pre-Game Panorama 

The on-field experience allows you to play catch on the field at Camden Yards prior to the game.  The money raised in the package goes to one of the Oriole's charities and the package price this year was around $100-$124 depending on the option you picked  I already had tickets for the game so I didn't do the above package (this is at least the 2nd year the Orioles have done this so they will likely do it next year too).

Father's Day 2014 pre-game catch on the field

For this game with my Dad, I decided to buy club level tickets at the Orioles Left Field All-Inclusive Picnic Perch.  The Picnic Perch is at club level in section 282 - 288 almost right above the bullpen area if your familiar with Camden Yards.  

Left Field All-Inclusive Picnic Perch Food Area

The All-Inclusive Picnic Perch includes all you can eat hot dogs, peanuts, nachos, popcorn, ice cream, and soda through the 7th inning of the game.  The average price for the tickets is around $40 in this section but price varies based on who the Orioles play (I got mine for $33 a piece as a Season Ticket holder).  Behind the seats (what would be the concessions stands in the section) is the location where you can pick up the All-Inclusive food and sit down at one of the many picnic tables.

Hot Dogs, Nachos and Soda

The food was decent at the Picnic Perch, a very good quality hot dog.  This is great if you get to the ballpark early.  Me and my Dad arrived at gate opening and there were very few people there so it was quick and easy to get food as well as seconds.  Later on in the game it seemed to take a little bit longer to get extra food and refills (but I expected a bit of a crowd on Father's Day anyway...it was a sell-out).  If you figure though that most seats in the Stadium will set you back about $15-$20 and so long as you are hungry the Picnic Perch ticket isn't a bad deal.  You don't get much of a variety of food but I think families will enjoy it since kids can help themselves (and you don't have to worry about the wads of cash you shell out for each soda/popcorn/hot dog).

View out of Stadium from the Picnic Perch Tables

One of the nice things about Club Level was you can check out many of the Club Level Lounges, Bars, and Stores.  They were much less crowded than anywhere else in the Stadium and they are air-conditioned (which would help on warm sunny days like this Sunday for people who want to get out of the heat).  The Club Level even has its own small team store which when me and my Dad went in were the only ones in there.  The Orioles also have some of their trophies on display at Club Level which was nice to see.

World Series Trophy at Club Level

Cal Ripken Jr.'s Gold Glove at Club Level

Overall, I thought the Picnic Perch was worth the $33.  I would have easily spent that on almost hot dogs and soda alone inside the Stadium.  I also enjoyed seeing what club level was like.

View from Club Level Seats (Section 288)

The seats also had an excellent view.  The only downside is there is no shade in these seats.  I didn't mind much but I'm sure plenty of people were bothered since it was about 80 and sunny (I myself got sunburn).  So if you do get these seats just be ready to be in the sun (you can always go inside the club level and watch the game at one of the lounges if you can't take the heat).  For evening games there you'd be in the shade for most of the game after around 8PM.

Club Level Panorama from Section 288

The game against Toronto Blue Jays.  Well I was hoping for a win to see the Orioles pick up some games on Toronto.  Chris Tillman was pitching and unfortunately gave up a run in the first inning.  He started to struggle for a few innings and got some high pitch counts per inning.  The Orioles scored their first run in the 6th inning after Tillman gave up three runs through 5 innings.  Surprisingly Tillman pitched through the 7th inning (he got lucky and got a few quick innings).  The Orioles bullpen gave up 2 more runs in the 8th and the O's only managed to score another run in the bottom of the 8th.  

Fedora at Club Level

The Orioles ended up losing the game 2-5.  Luckily though, it would turn out that they would split the 4 game series 2-2. 

June 11, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Red Sox, T-Shirt Give-A-Way

On Wednesday June 11, 2014, I attended the Orioles vs Red Sox game.  It was also the third T-Shirt give-a-way of the Year.  The Orioles gave out the Oriole Way T-Shirt to all fans who attended the game. 

June 11, 2014 T-Shirt Give-A-Way "Orioles Way" Front

June 11, 2014 T-Shirt Give-A-Way "Orioles Way" Back

The game was awesome as well.  Chen pitched a great shut-out game.  The Orioles beat the Red Sox 6-0.

Game time view from Upper Deck

June 6/7/9, 2014, Camden Yards (Baltimore). Orioles vs Athletics Weekend Series with Sunglasses, and Manny Machado Bobblehead give-a-ways

So from I attended each one of the Orioles vs Athletics games at Camden Yards on June 6th, 7th and 8th.  Two of the three days were also give-a-ways.  On Friday June 6, 2014 the Orioles gave out Orioles Sunglasses to the first 15,000 Fans. 

Sunglasses from Give-A-Way

On Saturday June 7, 2014, the Orioles gave out their first bobblehead of the year, and it was the Platinum glove winner, Manny Machado.  The line for the give-away was longer than normal as it was a popular give-away.  They gave away 25,000 of the bobbleheads.  I had a friend who went to the game and go to the stadium about 30mins before the game and all the bobbleheads were gone (one of the usher's told them they had been gone for about an hour-30 mins).

Line for Manny Machado Bobblehead

Manny Machado Bobblehead

The third game of the series I ate at the classic Boog's BBQ right on Eutaw Street.  This place always has great BBQ and if you go to Camden Yards frequently you have to try it if you haven't already.  I got the BBQ Beef Sandwich.  They also started having several types of BBQ sauce at the condiments table which is something they didn't have fairly recently (I got Chipolte BBQ on my Sandwich).

Boog's BBQ

BBQ Pit Beef

The BBQ sandwich itself is about $8 and not a bad deal.  Boog's also sells platters with beans, coleslaw, chips, and if you want extra meat.  They sell Turkey, Beef, and Pork BBQ so a little something for everyone (well except vegetarians unless you just want coleslaw).

Standing Room Area By Center Field

The Sunday game had a low attendance and I actually got to eat in the Picnic area by the Center Field Plaza (typically on weekends this is rented out to parties/groups).

View from Upper Deck on Friday

Now the games.  Well the Orioles only managed to win Saturday's game 6-3.  Friday, they should have won.  Chen pitched great on Friday and shut Oakland out for 7 innings.  The Orioles ended up losing in the 11th inning 3-4. 

Sunday, was a complete blow out. With Oakland winning 11-1. Orioles haven't had much luck on Sunday home games...they did have a little league parade before the game which maybe had something to do with the low scoring of the Orioles. 

Game-Time Friday June 6, 2014

June 1, 2014, Nationals Park (DC). Nationals vs Rangers, Gourmet Sandwiches by Mike Isabella.

On Sunday June 1, 2014, I attended the Nationals game vs the Texas Rangers at Nationals Park.  It was signature Sunday so I got to the gate early like normal (i.e., 10 AM).  I was literally the 2nd person in line, and waited till the gates opened at 11AM (I did get my Signature Voucher...they tend to go within the first 10-15mins of the gate being opened). 

View of Filed for "Batting Practice" Area

Today was also a give-a-way for kids, but unfortunately they had to give out vouchers for the Socks since something happened with the vendor (some sort of shipping issue). I wasn't too concerned since they were for only 13 and under. 

After entering the stadium I got my signature voucher and went over to the concourse around Center Field on the 100 levels (the part that was opened). MASN (the Nationals Local TV Broadcast Partner) was giving out free T-shirts if you joined them on Twitter.  I of course had to get the free T-Shirt (frequently other companies are at this location pre-game with freebies).

MASN Free Nationals T-Shirt

After getting my free T-Shirt I went up to the 200 level to get a $6 Happy Hour beer at the bar and wait till 12:00 when the seating dome opened for to access the Dugout area for my signature voucher.   I got my signature around 1PM after waiting in line.  My autograph was from Livan Hernandez, who I believe is working with the Nationals as a Coach. 

Line for Signature Sunday

Livan Hernandez Signed Ball #61

After getting my signature from Livan Hernandez, I tried a fairly new sub place a fellow fan recommended while I was waiting in line for my signature. The place was called "G by Mike Isabella" (G for Gourmet Sandwiches).  The stand was located on the lower level in the 130 area section.

G By Mike Isabella Stand

The sandwich I got was "The Drewno" which includes house kielbasa sausage, roast beef, and sauerkraut at about $14.

The "Drewno"

The "Drewno"

The Drewno was a good sub. The sub was super crunchy with the kielbasa, sauerkraut and other vegetables in the sub.  It was a unique taste and was enjoyable.  My only complaint is $14 is a little much for a sub, even at the Stadium. 

The game was a close game.  It went 0-0 till the seventh inning (a great pitching match up). Then the Rangers scored a run in the 7th and 8th. The game ended with the Nationals 0, Rangers 2.