I just knew that traffic wouldn’t be an issue between DC and Baltimore on a Tuesday evening… but it was.  I left with plenty of time just because DC traffic can be unpredictable, but there I was, sitting in the parking lot that was I-95 with two restless kids in the back seat.  They were going to get to see a baseball game, and they were pretty excited about it.

When we finally arrived, we had missed the tour, but I kept hearing from the other mom bloggers about how fantastic the tour was.  Just making my way up to the private suite, I could see how amazing the park was.  Everything was so clean, well maintained, and the staff was uber friendly.

Once up in the suite, we got to hear from Angela Showalter, the wife of Orioles manager Buck Showalter, about the wonderful work that the players wives and girlfriends (and the players themselves) do to give back to the community. One of her favorite charities is Kids Peace, a 129-year-old national charity that works to develop the mental and behavioral health of foster children.  Kids Peace provides mentoring, life-skills training and other support programs.  The Baltimore Orioles support her and her husband’s involvement with the organization.

We also had a chance to talk with Janet Marie Smith, VP of Planning and Development for Camden Yards. She worked on the building in 1992 when the warehouse was renovated, and discussed the recent changes as well as what the park meant to the city and the development of ball parks across the country. To hear more about the park, improvements over the years, and the history of the Orioles at Camden Yards, visit CamdenYards20.com. There are videos, and interactive timeline, great photos, and more.

Up in the suite, we were treated to popcorn, cookies, cracker jacks (what baseball game is complete without those), and a fabulous buffet that included crab cakes – a Maryland staple.  The kids got to meet and hug the Oriole bird (which was pretty appropriate since this was a “tweet” up – womp! womp!), and watch the baseball game from the seats just outside the suite.  It was fantastic.

Of course we got to see some of our favorite bloggers and their kids – Justice Fergie @justicefergie, Musings from Me @musingsfromme, and Confessions of a Homeschool Mom @1stladey. The kids all got into the spirit of the game in great gear provided by the Orioles.

We didn’t want to leave, but the idea of sitting in traffic again and then having to drag two sleepy younguns out of the car, kept jumping to the front of my mind.  So we grabbed some Cracker Jacks for my oldest who was at home with the hubby, and hit the road – got back to DC in no time!

Oh, and I can’t forget my Caribbean shout out! We have a few Caribbean players on the team – Pedro Angel Strop, Ronny Leonel Paulino, Wilson Betemit – from the Dominican Republic!

For more information on the 20th anniversary of Camden Yards, visit CamdenYards20.com. For information about the Orioles, visit orioles.mlb.com.

(My opinions are my own.  I received game tickets, promotional materials, and an evening at the game for myself and my children.  For more information on sponsored posts, click here.)

I have a dugout club membership to give away, along with some other cool Baltimore Orioles gear!  Comment on this post with your favorite baseball memory for a chance to win.  Winner will be drawn at random on Friday, June 22 from those who comment.