Case in point: the Frederick Keys (named after the town''s most famous native son, Francis Scott Key), the sole "A" minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. No offense to you Orioles fans out there, but I head to Frederick rather than Baltimore for baseball. Here’s why.

First and foremost, it’s the park. Harry Grove Stadium has all the charm and friendliness that you could ask for in a ballpark. It’s affordable, unpretentious, clean, and easy to get to. No problems parking here, though you might have to wait a bit to get out of the lot on fireworks nights. It has a great family atmosphere and is the kind of place you can bring your kids, turn them lose over in the grassy area beside the bleachers, and know that they’ll be safe, happily chasing down flyballs or romping with the mascot, "Keyote."

Keys fans are a special bunch, too. They enjoy the game, but hey, it’s a game. Win or lose, no problem. They’re there to cheer on the home team and have a good time, and they’ve got it just about down to an art form. Goofy traditions abound, the sillier the better. The crowd, egged on by the avuncular announcer, Mark Kreider, responds enthusiastically to such spectacles as sack races around the bases and the "T-shirt toss." Giveaways abound – everything from boxes of pizza plopped down in the lap of the loudest fan to free carwashes for the owner of the dirtiest car on the lot.

Then there are the numerous promotional nights: Boy Scouts in uniform get in free one night; a free cushion to the first 500 another; and discounted or free admission with various product tie-ins. Reading night, Scout sleepover night, fire safety night... It’s all good, clean community fun.

And how about that great ballpark food? Peanuts slow roasted just so. Mounds of soft serve ice cream balanced on waffle cones. (Don’t forget the napkins!) Brewpub beer on tap, to go with the hot dogs and pizza. Cotton candy – hey, support your local dentist, why doncha?

Then there''s my favorite part of the night. Come the seventh inning stretch, every man, woman, and child in the stadium rises up and reaches in a pocket. Gets out a set of car or house keys, holds it aloft and shakes it while proudly yodeling the team song:

"We''re the Frederick Keys
Come on out support your team
Baseball is back in town
You can hear the shaking sound
Bring the family

"We''re the Frederick Keys
We''ll park one in the bleachers
GO KEYS!
Come on out and shake them with me
We''re the Frederick Keys."

Ah, I can almost hear the jingle of keys right now. Wonder if they’re playing at home tonight? I’ll just go and check the schedule….