When the Orioles took the field to begin their most important series of the season — four games against the rival Boston Red Sox that could determine their playoff fate — they were greeted by row upon row of empty green seats at Camden Yards.
Tuesday’s crowd of 20,387 — less than half the ballpark’s capacity of 45,971 — was only the latest data point in a story that has puzzled Baltimore baseball lovers all season. The Orioles spent liberally in the offseason and have exceeded expectations on the field. But as they drive for a third playoff berth in five seasons, fans are not filling Camden Yards.