The Ballpark That Forever Changed the Game of Baseball: New Film from The Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum Takes Fans Behind the Scenes to See the Creation of Oriole Park at Camden Yards
The 20-minute film follows the ballpark from concept in the 1980s to Opening Day in 1992 through first-hand interviews, covering site selection, architectural choices and how the park got its name. It closes with the ballpark’s legacy, highlighting how Baltimore’s new retro park redefined ballpark design and ushered in a new era of stadium development across Major League Baseball. Those interviewed include Hall of Fame broadcaster Jon Miller; Orioles legend and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.; and Janet Marie Smith, who represented the Orioles on the ballpark design. The film is narrated by Orioles play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Brown.
Columnist George Will has ranked Oriole Park at Camden Yards among baseball’s most significant developments since World War II, alongside Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in 1947 and the arrival of free agency.
The film was made possible by the Lucchino Family Foundation in memory of former Orioles president Larry Lucchino, whose vision and leadership helped bring Oriole Park at Camden Yards to life. As Orioles president from 1988 to 1993, Lucchino played a pivotal role in championing a new ballpark that would reconnect the team with downtown Baltimore and fundamentally change the way baseball stadiums were designed. Lucchino died in 2024.
His clear vision and constant mantra to build “an old-fashioned ballpark with modern amenities” guided the development of the ballpark from start to finish. The film includes archival interview footage of Lucchino, offering audiences the opportunity to hear directly from one of the key figures behind the ballpark’s creation.
The Lucchino Family Foundation’s support of the documentary reflects its commitment to honoring Larry’s enduring contributions to baseball and ensuring that his legacy and impact on the game continue to be recognized by future generations.
“Camden Yards was one of the defining accomplishments of my uncle’s career, and its impact on baseball has been felt far beyond Baltimore,” said David Lucchino, Trustee, the Lucchino Family Foundation. “Larry believed in doing things differently, challenging convention and creating something that would stand the test of time. The ballpark helped change the way generations of fans experience the game, and we’re proud that the Lucchino Family Foundation could help bring this film to life. It’s an important opportunity to preserve the story behind Camden Yards and ensure that Larry’s vision, along with the contributions of everyone who helped make it possible, is remembered for generations to come.”
The film features interviews with Janet Marie Smith, represented the Orioles on the ballpark design; Hall of Fame broadcaster Jon Miller; and Orioles legend and Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. Orioles play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Brown narrates. The film was produced by Baltimore’s Aliceanna Collective.
Members of the Lucchino family, community leaders and representatives of Major League Baseball and the Baltimore Orioles are among those invited to attend the Nov. 14 screening.
“The film captures the behind-the-scenes story of how Oriole Park at Camden Yards came to be,” said museum spokesperson Mike Gibbons. “It’s widely considered the most important ballpark in baseball architecture since Yankee Stadium, ‘the House that Ruth Built.'”
The museum is planning additional private screenings ahead of the February public premiere. The renovated museum theater features an old-time scoreboard and a new playback system. The Babe Ruth Museum maintained full editorial control over the production of the film. The film was produced by Baltimore’s Aliceanna Collective.
About the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation
The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation, Inc. is an independent, not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to perpetuating the historic legacy of Babe Ruth, Baltimore’s Orioles, Ravens and Colts, and local and regional sports at the amateur, collegiate and professional levels, by preserving, exhibiting, interpreting and augmenting its collection for a diverse audience. For more information visit baberuthmuseum.org.
About the Lucchino Family Foundation
Established by pioneering baseball executive and philanthropist Larry Lucchino, the Lucchino Family Foundation carries forward his enduring commitment to healthcare, education and community enrichment. The Foundation supports organizations and initiatives that advance cancer research and treatment, expand educational opportunities for future generations, and improve the quality of life in communities, particularly those with the greatest need. Guided by Larry’s values of hard work, excellence, family and service, the Foundation prioritizes meaningful, measurable impact while honoring his extraordinary legacy in professional baseball and his lifelong dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
SOURCE Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
