My column Tuesday about the freak-show qualities of the Preakness infield prompted many to write.
Some called me a rube. Others reveled in glory of Preaknesses past. Some thanked me for warning them not to let their children go. Others warned me not to go to other “Baltimoron” institutions.
Here are some responses:
“I enjoyed your naïve views of the Preakness. It sounded as if you were looking for folks dressed in their Sunday?s best, drinking wine and debating whether or not to place a $2 bet on a sure thing or a long shot. This is what happens in the Grandstands. Next year try it, you may like it.”
? Bob Bahrijczuk, Elkridge (The author, a retired infield alumnus, claims to be co-inventor of the first beer bong at the Preakness, dubbed “The Home Wrecker.”)
“As for enforcing standards of behavior at the Preakness, all I can offer you is the very best of luck. In years past the Baltimore City police has cautioned that they could not provide any sort of meaningful security or law enforcement given the infield conditions. And they have guns.” ? Aaron Meisner, Baltimore
“As the mother of five daughters ages 11 to 23, I appreciate the courage you have in writing your article about the Preakness. (Editor?s note: It wasn?t courage ? it was disgust.) We have strongly discouraged them from going to this freak show and only one of them went. Once. The stories she came back with must have had an effect on her sisters because none of them have wanted to go since. Unfortunately many of their friends go, and this has a trickle-down effect lowering the culture they have to live in.”
? Annie Collins, Ellicott City
“In the future, for goodness sake, talk to some native Baltimorons before you go after one of our time-honored traditions. It?s embarrassing to read your quoting Tom Wolfe about the causes of Baltimore?s moral turpitude. Please read up on our history. It?s not called ?Mobtown? for nothing. And by the way, if the Preakness infield freaks you out, you better avoid the Hunt Cup, Ravens games and St. Patty?s Day in any Baltimore bar.”
? Anonymous
Claude Hoerner, of Sykesville, offered some other advice: Rate the infield NC-17. I agree.
But maybe the best advice is just don?t go to the infield.
Fifteen layers deep in people from the fence, I and my companions could not see the Preakness. Glaring sun preventedus from reading the electronic billboards with race information. We didn?t hear about Barbaro?s injury until watching it on television? where I plan to watch the race next year.
Marta Hummel is associate editorial page editor of The Baltimore Examiner.
