Now everybody just chill out and listen for a sec. I’m not a proponent of changing the name of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and there’s been absolutely no indication that it will ever even happen. Back in 2000, there was a story that ran on ABCNews.com that said the O’s were considering selling the naming rights to the stadium. After a little Googling, I’ve seen nothing since.
Last week, the Rangers sold the naming rights to the Ballpark at Arlington. Going forward it will be known as Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Lame. Sellouts.
But if you look at the list of Major League Baseball stadiums, less than a third have non-corporate names (Angel Stadium, Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Kauffman Stadium, Marlins Park, Nationals Park, Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Yankee Stadium). Some of those other 22 stadiums don’t sound too terrible either (Wrigley Field, Busch Stadium, Coors Field, Miller Park).
So I figured that since the team has done nothing of note this offseason and we’re all starved for baseball, let’s talk about which sponsors could potentially fit in Baltimore:
5. Esskay Park at Camden Yards
You guys, Esskay was there for the Ripken years. Hot dogs and baseball are synonymous — especially now that we’re putting crab and macaroni and cheese on them. When you think hot dogs at OPACY, you think Esskay. The swinging bird is on the package and there’s that seamless billboard that’s been there forever in right field. It just works.
4. Domino Sugar Stadium at Camden Yards
The Domino Sugar sign that overlooks the inner harbor is as much of a landmark in Baltimore as our beloved stadium. Putting that logo on the warehouse wouldn’t be so bad, would it? I could support Domino Sugar becoming the sponsor of Camden Yards.
3. Old Bay Ballpark
You’re already dumping this stuff on crabs, french fries, wings, popcorn, potato chips, Bloody Marys and breakfast cereal. Why not name the freaking Yard after it? No one understands Old Bay like we do in Baltimore. It’s uniquely our thing.
For Number 2 and Number 1, click on over to Baltimore Sports Report…
