Camden Yards celebrates 20th with look at greatest moments

Bonilla also cites the convenience of the park, just blocks from the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill neighborhoods, and the only place where the retired all-star was able to walk to work from his home.

“It was an enjoyable walk, it was weird at the beginning,” he says of the accessibility to the fans. “With the warehouse being there in left field and the view you got of downtown Baltimore, it’s pretty cool.”

B.J. Surhoff, who played for the Orioles for four seasons after joining in 1996 and again from 2003 to 2005, says the ballpark’s unique old-school feel sets it apart from all others.

“There’s no question, that was the first one,” he says. “The ballpark has withstood the test of time and beyond.”

The design “set a trend” with its architectural ties to the downtown warehouses, says Surhoff, though the ownership has kept it modern with new decks and railings above the outfield walls.

Surhoff says his highlight there was playing in the playoffs: “No doubt.”

As for the current roster, the team Hall of Famer has encouraging words.

“I’m trying to figure out every day how they can win,” he says. “I think the guys are starting to believe a little more.”