Oriole Park at Camden Yards holds a reputation throughout the league as a favorite for MLB hitters. It’s a reputation with statistical backing. Since 1992 the stadium at 333 W Camden St has also carved out a favorable reputation with fans, both home and away. The stadium repeatedly dominates in fan surveys and social media polls as one of baseball’s premier spots to catch a game. But last Saturday, new Orioles infielder Freddy Galvis shone light on another jewel in the crown at Camden.
Aa a guest on MLB network radio’s “Home Plate,” Galvis praised the infield at OPACY and called it “one of the biggest things” for him in deciding to come play in Baltimore. “Camden Yards is one of those fields where you want to play, and I really love playing on that field” says the MLB vet who has played on his fair share of infields since his debut with the Phillies in 2012 and concedes that not all fields are created equal.
The endorsement is just the latest testament to the incredible work of the grounds crew at OPACY, led by head groundskeeper Nicole Sherry. Heading into her 15th season at the park, Sherry continues to dominate in a heavily male-influenced field, that sits inside an even heavier male-influenced industry. Serving as an overall beacon for women in sports the award-winning groundskeeper also remains a critical fortifying structure for a team that is otherwise rebuilding from the ground up.
In a response to Galvis, Nicole tweeted out her excitement to welcome him to Baltimore and promised that the infield would be “prime” when he got there.
That’s a description I’m not only positive that she’ll live up to, but that also describes her and her team’s contribution to the overall experience of baseball in Baltimore.
