Baltimore celebrates Union Park historical marker dedication in 2024
David Sann, left, Director of Real Estate Development, and Gerard Joab, Executive Director of the St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center in Baltimore, stand next to a new historical marker for Union Park, former home of the National League’s Baltimore Orioles. (Courtesy of David Stinson)
On Friday, April 19, 2024, SABR’s Baltimore Babe Ruth Chapter hosted a dedication ceremony for the Union Park historical marker placed by the chapter on the front façade of the St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center at 321 E. 25th St. in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Baltimore Babe Ruth Chapter was the recipient of a SABR Local Grant in 2023 to help install the Union Park historical marker.
Union Park’s grandstand was located directly adjacent to (west of) St. Ambrose, and a portion of the playing field was located directly behind it. Union Park, also known as Oriole Park III, was home to the American Association Orioles in 1891 and the National League Orioles from 1892 to 1899.
Speakers at the ceremony included Michael Gibbons, director emeritus and historian of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum; Professor Bernard McKenna, author of The Baltimore Black Sox: A Negro Leagues History, 1913-1936; Burt Solomon, author of Where They Ain’t: The Fabled Life and Untimely Death of the Original Baltimore Orioles; Janet Marie Smith, chapter board member; and Bill Stetka, director, Orioles alumni.
A reception followed at Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St., which is located on the former site of Oriole Park V. Light refreshments were served and Old Oriole Park Beer was available for purchase at the brewery.
Visit Flickr.com for a photo gallery of the ceremony.
Originally published: April 11, 2024. Last Updated: April 24, 2024.