MUSIC - Heartbeat city by the Cars

Camden Yards - still standing

Location: 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore Maryland -- Bounded by Russell St., W. Lee St., and I-395.

The granddaddy of the ballpark retro revolution. Camden Yards is the yardstick for all other new parks to try and shoot for. The ballpark officially opened on April 6, 1992. It was immediately hailed as the crown jewel of the new ballparks. And with good reason. Great sight lines, more comfortable seating, great leg room, and all the other goodies that go with a new park. BUT they didn't overdo it. The Orioles and the city of Baltimore did just enough.

The first ever game saw the Orioles defeat the Cleveland Indians 2-0. The first home run was hit the next day by Indian's first baseman Paul Sorrento. The first Orioles home run was hit in the third game by Mike Devereaux.

The Camden yards site was once used by French general Le Comte de Rochambeau on his way to Yorktown in 1781. While construction was going on, remnants from Ruth's cafe were uncovered in center field. Babe Ruth's dad and Mom ran a cafe in the early 1900s. It is said even the Babe himself worked in the restaurant as a kid.

Camden Yards has hosted the 1993 all star game. On September 6, 1995, it was witness to Cal Ripken, Jr. breaking Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak. The only no hitter was thrown on April 4, 2001. Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox threw the no-no against the birds. August 22, 2007, saw the Texas Rangers set a modern day record by scoring 30 runs in a 30-3 demolition of the Orioles.

From the B and O warehouse in right field, to Eutaw Street, to the inner harbor a few blocks away, and the Babe Ruth museum, Camden Yards is a great place to spend a day or night. Many of the new parks have tried, but very few have come close to Camden Yards. It is definitely one of the best of the new breed.