James Wood, like many kids from Maryland, spent his childhood enjoying Orioles games at Camden Yards and indulging in steamed blue crabs. On a recent Tuesday night, he had the chance to revisit those fond memories as he played for the Nationals in their 9-3 victory over the Orioles at Camden Yards.
After the game, Wood expressed how special it was to play in a stadium that had been a significant part of his youth. “It was definitely cool coming to Baltimore because, a lot of times, this is where I would watch games growing up,” Wood shared. The evening was a mix of nostalgia and fun, as Wood relished the experience of playing in a place that once sparked his love for baseball.
The night was particularly memorable for Wood because he had an outstanding performance on the field. He went 4-for-5 at the plate, hitting a double, driving in a run, and scoring three times. His four hits were all struck with impressive exit velocities, placing him in the 95th percentile in Major League Baseball. Wood’s four-hit game was his second in just 37 big league games, a remarkable achievement for any young player.
Wood’s mother, Paula, commemorated the night by tweeting a picture of a young James with his grandfather at Camden Yards. Wood reminisced about his childhood memories of attending games, recalling that it was his birthday on one such occasion. He fondly remembered watching players like Chris Davis and Zack Britton during their peak years with the Orioles. It’s possible that Wood, now 21, even watched his current first base coach and outfield coordinator, Gerardo Parra, play for the Orioles when he was just 13 years old.
Now, it’s Wood’s turn to shine on the field at Camden Yards. His impressive performance didn’t go unnoticed by his manager, Davey Martinez, who praised Wood’s ability to stay focused and deliver against tough left-handed pitchers. Martinez commended Wood’s approach, emphasizing his commitment to staying in the middle of the field and getting better with each game.
When asked about the significance of playing at Camden Yards, Wood acknowledged the sentimental value but made it clear that he’s now a National. Despite his roots, his focus remains on contributing to his current team.
After the game, Wood celebrated in true Maryland fashion—by picking crabs. The Orioles have a tradition of providing visiting teams with freshly steamed crabs as a welcome gesture. For some of his teammates, this was a new experience, and Wood took on the role of a teacher, showing them the proper way to pick crabs. He recalled how his mother had taught him the technique, starting with the claws and enjoying them with a side of butter. While there might be different opinions on the best way to eat crabs, Wood’s skill in both picking crabs and playing baseball was unquestionable.
Returning to Camden Yards and excelling on the field was a full-circle moment for Wood. It was a special night that allowed him to reflect on his journey from a young fan in the stands to a professional player making his mark on the same field. “It’s definitely cool to do it at a place I kind of have been to a decent amount as a spectator,” Wood concluded, highlighting the personal significance of his stellar performance.
