No Ivy at Camden Yards?

Damn you, Phytophthora!

Say it ain't so!

With less than two weeks to go before Opening Day, the Orioles have already suffered the first loss of the season. The score: Mother Nature 1, the ivy at Camden Yards 0.


The ivy that grows up the wall beyond centerfield at Oriole Park, and contributes to its widely imitated retro feel, was attacked by a soil-borne pathogen and had to be pulled out earlier this month, said Nicole Sherry, the head groundskeeper.


"It broke my heart to tear it down," Sherry said Tuesday. "I know how much it means to the fans, and it was sad to see it go."

The batter's eye will get a fresh coat of green paint before the season and Sherry plans to replant the ivy later this year. So hopefully, this is just temporary.

The "bricks and ivy" was yet another nod to the old ballparks (specifically Wrigley Field) when OPACY was constructed and I hope they find a way to make it work again. The park wouldn't be the same without it.