Orioles’ return launches big sports week in Baltimore

Ushers check fans' tickets as they enter Orioles Park at Camden Yards before a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, May 11, 2015, in Baltimore. Playing in front of their home fans for the first time in two weeks, the struggling Orioles hope a game at Camden Yards can serve as a pick-me-up for themselves and the beleaguered city. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Ushers check fans' tickets as they enter Orioles Park at Camden Yards before a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, May 11, 2015, in Baltimore. Playing in front of their home fans for the first time in two weeks, the struggling Orioles hope a game at Camden Yards can serve as a pick-me-up for themselves and the beleaguered city. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

By Associated Press May 11, 2015 3 min read

BALTIMORE (AP) – As the Baltimore Orioles prepared to play before their home fans for the first time in two weeks, the sights and sounds around Camden Yards on a lovely Monday afternoon were all about baseball.

Vendors were hawking food, drinks and clothing. A few people were camped out near the home team parking lot, seeking autographs. About a half-dozen were looking to buy tickets at the window in the B&O Warehouse behind the center-field wall.

There was one police car visible on the north edge of Camden Yards.

It was a stark contrast to their last game in Baltimore.

The city had been overrun by violence on April 27 after the funeral of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died while in the custody of Baltimore police. Then in an unprecedented move, the Orioles hosted the Chicago White Sox on April 29 without allowing fans to enter.