Here was my actual ticket featuring centerfielder Adam Jones.
If you've ever been to Camden Yards, maybe you've walked on Eutaw Street. Actually if you've never been to Camden Yards and you like baseball, try to make it there. It's a great place to watch a baseball game.
Anyway, inside the ballpark in front of the warehouse on Eutaw Street there are several places to eat, and one of them is called Boog's Barbecue. Can you guess what they sell? Right, barbecued chicken sandwiches, pork sandwiches, etc. It makes the street smell pretty damn good.
This place is owned by Boog Powell, a former Oriole. Who is Boog Powell?
For starters, Powell made it on to a baseball card with Harmon Killebrew and Mickey Mantle. Winning! Wikipedia tells us:
In a 17-season career, Powell posted a .266 batting average with 339 home runs, 1187 RBI and an impressive .361 on base percentage in 2042 games. Powell hit three home runs in a game three times, and was second only to Eddie Murray on the Orioles' all-time home run list before Cal Ripken Jr. surpassed Powell in 1994.
In 1983, Powell received 5 votes for the Hall of Fame (1.3% of all BBWAA voters) in his only appearance on the ballot.
Anyway, that's Boog Powell then. And this is Boog Powell now:
Not quite as svelt as he used to be, but that's ok. Collector's appreciate guys like him. Why? Because unbeknownst to me, before the game Boog sometimes signs free autographs by the line outside of Boog's Barbecue. It was my lucky day!
I saw this and it was a no brainer. But what would I have him sign? My ticket, of course! My friend had him sign the back of her jersey. He also took pictures with us and all the other fans who were in line. He was a cordial and funny guy who seemed genuinely happy to be there with the fans.
Check out my ticket below, with a sweet blue auto:
Thanks Boog!
Boog is about the nicest retired Oriole you will ever meet (second to Brooks Robinson). It is nice to hear other fans being so complimentary of Camden Yards. I Love it. Not for nothing, but Philly is #2 on my list. I am just glad that I am old enough to really remember going to games on 33rd street at Memorial Stadium. I hope you got to see the baseballs 'in' Eutaw street!
ReplyDeleteAwesome. Glad you had a good time at Camden Yards, and I just found out that you live in my neighborhood. Is there a decent card store around here? I'm still driving to my old one in Parkville.
ReplyDeletePS - Why does the Wal Mart out here have the worst card section ever? It's almost cruel.