Keys fans celebrate Opening Day in midst of stadium improvements
- Sofia M
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
By Sofia Montoya-Deck
Published in the Frederick News-Post on June 4, 2025
Nymeo Field's recent soundtrack of beeping construction trucks and pounding jackhammers momentarily faded away Wednesday evening, giving way to the cheers of fans during the Frederick Keys' home opener against the West Virginia Black Bears.
At 6 p.m., an hour before game time, the parking lot was nearly full and fans were lined up outside the stadium, ready for the first game of the season.
The Keys' 2025 season kicked off just three weeks after breaking ground on a multi-million-dollar stadium renovation, a project first announced by Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor on Aug. 30, 2024.
Before the game, fans heard from O'Connor and Greg Baroni, the founder and CEO of Attain Sports, which owns the Keys and other franchises. Both thanked the parties involved in the stadium renovation and gave a special thank you to the fans.
"Thank you to all of you, our sponsors, our fans," Baroni said over a stadium microphone. "Without you, none of this is possible."
Fans greeted O'Connor and Baroni with applause, excited to celebrate Opening Day.
Mary Neubauer, a fan from Frederick, brought along family and friends to support her daughter and the Ballenger Creek Elementary choir, which performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the start of the game.
"We've been fans since we moved to Frederick," Neubauer said. She added that she supports the upcoming stadium improvements, "as long as they don't get rid of firework nights."
Some spectators at Wednesday's game were longtime Keys fans.
Brandy Davis grew up in Frederick and has been a Keys fan for 25 years. "It's a good family night opportunity," she said.
"We've been coming to Frederick Keys games for decades," New Market resident Fred Dixon said. "We always love coming out on Opening Day."
Brunswick residents Gage Gaver, 13, and Ashton Katz, 12, grew up supporting the Keys. "I'm just here to support the team," Gaver said. "I'm looking forward to a home run because I haven't seen much at Keys games before."
"I'm here to watch for Opening Day and watch the Keys hopefully win the game," Katz added. "They're just good. It's entertaining and I love baseball."
Opening Day also attracted members of Frederick's professional basketball team, the Flying Cows.
"We want to be here to support them just like how they support us and how the fans support them, and I just love baseball," Cows head coach Ed Corporal said. 'I grew up playing baseball and it's just fun to come out here and support them and be a part of the community watching Opening Night. The Keys are my team."
Sporting a bright orange polo, O'Connor stayed to cheer on the Keys, as well. "It's great to have baseball back in Frederick and Opening Day kicks off a great start to the summer season," he said in an interview. "It's exciting to be here to support with all the fans."
Last year, the Maryland Stadium Authority granted $39 million to fund construction efforts at Harry Grove Stadium, most notably to address elevated Professional Development League (PDL) standards.
According to MLB, members of the PDL are expected to provide facilities and communities that are essential to the development of the next generation of players.
Improvements being made to the stadium include new clubhouses on either side of the field, improved bullpens, an expanded concourse, new seating and state-of-the-art batting cages. According to Keys General Manager Slater Fuchs, the development will double the footprint. These renovations are expected to enhance player and fan experiences alike.
The project additionally aims to create opportunities for year-round use of the stadium, including a performance center and winterproof batting cages.
"We're looking forward to hosting events all year," Fuchs said Tuesday of the improvements. "I really think our fans and community are thrilled. We've seen a positive reaction."
According to Fuchs, the renovation will not interfere with the Keys' home season. Construction will continuously take place, even on game days, but will cease before game time.
"It's really not going to affect the season at all, which is the nice part," Fuchs said.
According to the city of Frederick, the project is estimated to be completed in May 2026.
"I think that this is great not only for Frederick, but Frederick County and the surrounding areas," Corporal said. "All around, I think it's going to be benefiting everybody."
Wednesday's home opener marked the start of the Keys' fifth season in the MLB Draft League, which launched in 2021 and consists of six formerly Minor League-affiliated teams.
The league features a split-season format that fosters improvement among draft-eligible players in preparation for the July MLB Draft.
The first half of the season, featuring amateur, draft-eligible players, will conclude July 12.
The second half of the season, running from July 16 to Sept. 3, will consist of professional players who exhausted their amateur eligibility and are compensated for playing.
According to the Draft League, the 2024 season yielded record-breaking results, with 52 players selected in the MLB Draft. The previous record of 47 picks was in both the 2021 and 2023 seasons.
The Keys' shift to the Draft League marked the end of a 31-year affiliation with the Baltimore Orioles. In 2020, the Keys were one of 42 franchises cut from MLB's affiliate pipeline.
Ballpark improvements and adherence to PDL standards are being made to regain a Minor League affiliate.
"I think the opportunity to bring affiliated baseball back to the city of Frederick is exciting," O'Connor said. "And these improvements will allow that opportunity."
Baroni told The Frederick News-Post in May that the intention is to open next season with an affiliated team in Frederick.
"This really is the first step in getting an affiliated team back," Fuchs said.
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