On Sept. 16 at Camden Yards, UMB Night at the Ballpark turned into something much more. The nearly 1,900 people who bought tickets through the University of Maryland, Baltimore not only got to see an 8-2 Orioles victory, they also got to see a piece of history as the Orioles clinched their first American League East title since 1997. It was the team's first home win to secure the division title since 1969.
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The highlights were many: President Jay A. Perman, MD, threw out the ceremonial first pitch a strike! (It would have been easy to confuse him with the starting pitcher but for his jersey: PERMAN 01). Anthony Wilkins, assistant director, Housekeeping Services, accepted a Heavy Hitter Award on behalf of the University for group sales that night and Nancy Gordon, executive director, protocol and special events in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs received an award in the Diamond Group Ceremony, placing UMB among organizations recognized for top group ticket sales all season. She also got a smooch from the Orioles Bird mascot!

Another highlight: UMB will contribute to two charities designated to benefit from the UMB group ticket sales. Ronald McDonald House Charities and Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake will share an estimated $9,000.

The camaraderie in the grandstand as ticket-holders from across the UMB community came together with friends and families was yet another plus.

But the greatest gift of all was sharing a historic night at Camden Yards that those in attendance will remember for a long time. Thanks to all those at UMB and to our colleagues at the University of Maryland Medical Center who participated.

And go O's!