FREE
I N
F O C U S
VOL.22, NO.6
F O R
P E O P L E
O V E R
More than 125,000 readers throughout Greater Baltimore
Oriole Advocates change lives
A lifetime love of baseball
For Neville, baseball has always been about fun and fellowship. She admits she’s never thrown a ball in her life, but like many Marylanders, she grew up cheering for the Orioles. “As a kid, back in the ‘60s, I remember us listening to the games on the transistor radio, listening to Chuck Thompson and Bill O’Donnell, hearing Brooks Robinson got a hit or Frank Robinson just got a home run. It’s just been part of our lives forever,” she said. “It was the one thing everybody had in common. You might’ve been of a different religion or went to different schools, but everybody loved the Orioles.” Neville was introduced to the Oriole Advocates at an early age. In the early ‘70s, she won a Junior Oriole necklace at one of the organization’s giveaways. It’s a keepsake she continues to wear today. Years later, she realized the same group
JUNE 2025
I N S I D E …
PHOTO COURTESY OF ORIOLE ADVOCATES
By Cathy Habas On a sunny spring day, an orange-clad crowd flows through the iron gates of Camden Yards. Ever y now and then, someone joins the line dressed as a cow. It’s baseball season in Baltimore, and Birdland is ready for some fun. Most folks know the drill. As they approach a cheerful volunteer at the gate, fans reach out for the day’s freebie. Today, it’s bobbleheads. “Kids love the bobbleheads,” says Howard County resident Mary Jo Neville. “We do a fair number of T-shirts as well: bowling shirts, Hawaiian shirts, the Cedric Mullins shirt. We have a straw hat, knit hats, bracelets, a barbecue spatula, a plushie.” Neville is decked out in black and orange gear, but you’d expect nothing less from the president of the Oriole Advocates, the 65year-old organization best known for handing out Orioles swag before every game. “I just love being at the ballpark. Being in the crowd, seeing people come in with crazy outfits, smelling the hot dogs, hearing the crowd cheering — if you’re a baseball person, it’s heaven,” Neville said. But there’s a lot more to the Oriole Advocates than just giving away free merchandise. The group spearheads multiple programs that preserve baseball history, help others and build the sport’s future.
5 0
LEISURE & TRAVEL
Bears, elk, fireflies and hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park; plus, how comfortable is the overnight Auto Train to Orlando? page 15
Jim Palmer, famed Orioles pitcher and sports broadcaster, attended the Orioles Hall of Fame luncheon in 2023 along with Mary Jo Neville, president of the Oriole Advocates. The volunteer group hands out free items at every game; ships used baseball gear to 11 countries; and hosts games for children with disabilities at Camden Yards.
stood outside the gates of Camden Yards, handing out free merchandise to the crowd. “I thought, ‘I’d like to do that sometime,’ and when I retired, I decided now’s the time. I became a member nine years ago.” She quickly fell in love with baseball all over again. “It’s so much fun. You get to meet people you never would meet otherwise — lots of people from various walks of life and all around the Baltimore area.”
Great seats at games
Although Neville is quick to clarify that the organization isn’t a fan club, Advocates do enjoy some perks. For instance, members who hand out freebies at the gate get to watch the game in a reserved section. “The Orioles are very kind to us,” she said. “We also have a meeting room in the warehouse, and we’re on the eighth floor.
So we have a pretty good view of the field from up there too.” The group also manages the Orioles Hall of Fame, which means members and Hall of Famers gather every year for a luncheon to celebrate Orioles history and vote in new inductees.
ARTS & STYLE
Mystery writer publishes her fifth book, and Ron Chernow releases his latest biography, of Mark Twain page 18
Helping kids here and abroad
When they’re not handing out swag, watching a game or dining with legends, Oriole Advocates are supporting young baseball players at home and around the world. Neville is most proud of the Challenger Baseball program, which helps kids with developmental or physical challenges play in assisted leagues. She enjoys “seeing the kids light up” when Advocates bring them gifts or the See ORIOLES, page 21
FITNESS & HEALTH k How to live longer k Three minutes to calm
4
LAW & MONEY 12 k Ways to prepare for recession k Skip the line at the bank ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
23
PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE