Welcome home, Frederick Keys. We missed you. | EDITORIAL

In a triumph for tradition, community and regional identity, Minor League Baseball is officially returning to Frederick in 2026.

The Frederick Keys will once again serve as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, marking a long-awaited reunion between a city and a franchise that have shared more than three decades of baseball history.Fredericks baseball roots run deep.

From its early days in the Blue Ridge League in the 1910s to its modern tenure as the Orioles Class A-Advanced affiliate from 1989 to 2020, the city has long been a proud steward of Americas pastime.

The Frederick Keys have long been a summer ritual, a local institution and a pipeline for future big-league stars.

Their absence since 2020, following Major League Baseballs contraction of affiliated teams, left a void that no collegiate summer league could truly fill.Now, with the Orioles High-A affiliate relocating from Aberdeen to Frederick, the city reclaims its rightful place on the professional baseball map.

The move is more than symbolic.

It restores Fredericks identity as a minor league town and reaffirms its enduring bond with Baltimore.The return of affiliated baseball comes with a $39 million renovation of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, a public-private partnership between the City of Frederick, the Maryland Stadium Authority and Attain Sports.

These upgrades, which include new clubhouses, modern batting cages, expanded concourses and additional seating, will ensure the stadium meets MLBs Professional Development League standards while enhancing the fan experience.But the investment isnt just about compliance.

Its about community and delivering to a small, but loyal, fanbase.

The stadium will be activated year-round, hosting concerts, holiday events and civic celebrations.

Its a vision of a ballpark as a cultural hub for Marylands second-biggest city.Perhaps most importantly, the Orioles return to Frederick helps preserve Baltimores cultural and civic footprint in a region increasingly pulled toward Washington.

As Frederick grows and evolves, its proximity to D.C.

has brought new demographics and shifting allegiances.

Yet the Orioles renewed presence offers a counterbalance, a reminder that Fredericks heart still beats in rhythm with Charm City.This affiliation is a major win for Baltimore regional pride.

Its about kids in Frederick wearing orange and black, dreaming of Camden Yards.

Its about keeping Baltimores voice alive in a city that has long been part of its extended family.The announcement was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and rightly so.

As Frederick Mayor Michael OConnor put it, There are only so many communities across this country that get to say they are minor league baseball towns, and today, Frederick returns to that list.In an era where sports franchises often chase profits over people, the return of the Frederick Keys is a refreshing reminder of what happens when a community believes in itself and when a franchise believes in its fans.Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers.

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