The Orioles’ Camden Yards lease expires at the end of the year, but Maryland Gov. Wes Moore remains steadfast in his belief that the state will hammer out a lease that keeps the club in Baltimore for generations to come, echoing the recent sentiments of Orioles CEO John Angelos.
In February, the Orioles declined a five-year lease extension with the Maryland Stadium Authority and announced a joint commitment with the state for a “multi-decade, public-private partnership” to revitalize and develop the Camden Yards complex.
Angelos told the local media early in spring training that his goal was to get a lease done by the All-Star break in July. Moore also believes the two sides are on the right track.
“Don’t bet against us. I think we have shown that we know how to get big things done here, and the beautiful thing is … that we and the Orioles are very much aligned,” Moore said on Glenn Clark Radio April 28. “I want the Orioles here for the next generation and generations to come, playing baseball in Baltimore. And that’s what they want, too. We are very much aligned on what the goals are.”
In March, Moore and Angelos visited The Battery Atlanta, a 365-day live-work-play complex built around Truist Park, the home of the Braves. The Battery Atlanta includes apartments, hotels, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. In February, Angelos said he desired to turn the Camden Yards complex into a 365-day destination.
Last year, Maryland lawmakers approved a measure that allows the MSA to borrow up to $1.2 billion for improvements to M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards — $600 million for each — contingent on the teams signing new leases. In January, the Ravens signed an extension through the completion of the 2037 season.
The Orioles are up next. The $600 million would be specifically for stadium improvements, not development around the park.
“We know for progress to happen, we’ve got to work together and we need to work collaboratively,” Moore said. “Everyone needs to be heard and seen, and that’s just the approach that I’ve taken to the work.”
Moore also visited the Orioles in Sarasota during spring training and threw out the first pitch at Ed Smith Stadium on March 10. He then threw out the first pitch at the Orioles’ home opener against the Yankees on April 7.
“It shouldn’t be lost on anybody that the first trip out of the state that I took as governor was down to Florida and to go spend time with the Orioles during spring training,” Moore said. “I’m taking this very personally. I’m leaning in personally. Don’t bet against us getting this done.”
Moore and Angelos have known each other for some time. Moore profiled Angelos as part of his book “Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City.” Moore has enjoyed working with Angelos since taking office in January.
“I think it’s been nice being able to go into this with not just a connection but with a friendship of someone who I know we have the same goals,” Moore said. “The goal is that we are going to make sure that we have Orioles baseball in Baltimore for generations to come. It’s good, the fact that we’re able to navigate this and change the tone a little bit.”
For more from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, listen to the full interview here:
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