Yes, the Baltimore Orioles have a much-improved ball club with an ultra-strong organization (“Time for Orioles (and fans) to make their big splash,” July 17). However, the Orioles do have some weak points that they should address.
Their game-day parking, especially for senior fans, is atrocious. I attended a game on Tuesday, July 9, and was forced to walk at least eight blocks in the stifling heat to the front gates from Lot G after shelling out $17 for that lofty privilege. We arrived over an hour from first pitch. Two parking lots nearer the park (B and C) were reserved for the handicapped and were virtually empty that night.
My friend and I are both 75 years old and were pretty washed out when we reached our seats. After the game, we had to trudge back to my car parked under an overpass at 10 p.m. I say that walking the streets of downtown Baltimore is tricky, especially for the older fans at night.
If the Orioles want to get more love from the fans, let them show it. Let the Orioles do something for the fans, other than giving them beach towels and floppy hats! If they want more people in the stands, constantly run shuttle buses to and from all of their parking lots. Also, on weekdays, offer half-priced parking for all seniors over 65 and, yes, substantial discounts on game tickets for seniors on those days.
Weeknights are not work nights for most seniors. I believe the O’s will more than make up the difference through concession sales in the process. I know anything will beat empty seats. Let the Birds make attending home games a fun time and not an expensive and potentially dangerous hassle. If the O’s show some love to their older fan base, they’ll rekindle an old romance.
I have been an Orioles fan since they came to Baltimore in 1954. My dad was a 20-year season ticket holder for all games. I walked up to 25 games per year to Memorial Stadium until it closed. I haven’t attended 15 games since the O’s moved to Camden Yards.
And I have just explained why.
— George Hammerbacher, Baltimore
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