The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd. The smell of hot dogs on the grill. It’s almost baseball season! Here at Cherry Hill Park, we’re lucky enough to be within 40 minutes of 2 Major League ballparks, and there are several minor league parks in the area as well. Here’s a partial rundown:
1. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
photo courtesy ESPN
Okay, maybe it’s my Orioles fan bias showing through, but Camden Yards is one of the best stadiums in the country to watch a baseball game. (As for the product on the field, well…uh…I’m certain they’ll be much better this year.) Just 35 minutes north of Cherry Hill Park up I-95, OP@CY is close, convenient, and a good value as professional sporting events go. And if I think you’re cool enough (read: not a Red Sox or Yankees fan) I might give you my super-secret parking directions.
Fun facts:
- The Orioles are 3-time World Series champions.
- The B&O Railroad Warehouse, home to team offices, bars, and more, is the longest building on the East Coast (or was).
- Babe Ruth’s father owned a pub in what is now Center Field.
2. Nationals Park
Nationals Park. It’s close by, about a 40-minute trip straight down the Green Line of the Metro, and their scoreboard is stunning. The team-well, Strasburg is hurt, and they signed Jayson Werth, so start printing the playoff tickets now!
Fun facts: None.
- Kidding. The Nationals, previously the Montréal Expos, were one of the best teams in baseball during the 1994 season. Unfortunately, that year’s strike denied them their shot at the postseason.
- The Nationals have the “Racing Presidents” run during the 7th inning stretch. Teddy Roosevelt has never won.
- They would’ve had a beautiful view of the Capitol, but decided to build an ugly parking garage instead.
3. Prince George’s County Stadium
Photo courtesy baseballreflections.com
Home of the Bowie Baysox (AA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles), PG County Stadium is just a short drive from Cherry Hill Park. A very kid-friendly baseball experience, the stadium even has a carousel down the right-field foul line. More information is available at baysox.com.
Also:
Frederick Keys (Orioles High-A affiliate)
Aberdeen Ironbirds (Orioles Short-season A)
Delmarva Shorebirds (Orioles A)
Potomac Nationals (Nationals High-A)
Hagerstown Suns (Nationals A)
Tags: Aberdeen Ironbirds, Baltimore Orioles, baseball, Baysox, Camping in DC, Cherry Hill Park, DC baseball, Delmarva Shorebirds, Nats, O's, Washington Nationals
If you are visiting DC then Cherry Hill Park is the place to stay and especially if you have young children. I stayed there recently with my grandchildren and we all had a GREAT time!!
Gary Krause
Cherry Hill Pennsylvania