The Hot Corner at Turn Ten

As Team Terry ambled up Camden Street on the way to Turn Ten, the conversation turned to all the changes taking place on the traffic strip between Washington Boulevard and Russell Street. 

Some of the landscaping changes are to accommodate the impending Baltimore Grand Prix and the stands that will overlook the exciting stretch of the course.  But the grassy area on the southern most point, opposite third base in Oriole Park, will have a more permanent structure as a welcoming gateway to Baltimore.  For it is here, in October, that the statue of Orioles' great Brooks Robinson will be unveiled.

Although the legendary third baseman never played in Camden Yards, he spent his entire Major League career with the Orioles.  His likeness is captured in much the same way we all remember him -- making an off-balanced throw to first after a spectacular scoop at third.

Like his fielding, the statue will be larger than life, rising nine feet above a six foot pedestal on the landscaped pedestrian strip.  The bronze depicts Brooks as he looked in his prime, during the 1960s and 1970s. As a nod to his amazing talents on the field, his glove will be burnished gold -- denoting the 16 Gold Glove honors he received during his Hall of Fame career.  The sculptor is Joseph Sheppard, who created the statue of Pope John Paul II for the Basillica Prayer Garden on Charles Street.

Brooks, of course, is still very much a part of the Maryland sports scene, as a partner and the franchise face of the Blue Crabs, pride of Southern Maryland and anchor of Regency Furniture Stadium.  The folks in Waldorf and the entire region have benefited from his association with the popular team and all the activities the stadium has hosted in its three years.

So we still have a few months before Brooks takes his place beyond third base, over there at Turn Ten.  We'll be happy to welcome him to the neighborhood, and be sure to touch that Gold Glove for luck every time we head over there for a team meeting.