BALTIMORE - It was one of those magical nights at Oriole Park. The type of night that has not been seen in the stadium for too many years. And, as it has been several times before, it was a celebration of Cal Ripken.

Who could imagine an enthusiastic throng of 42,579 fans turning out for a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Crowds such as that haven't been seen at Oriole Park for a long while, no matter who the opponent might have been.

It was, in fact, the most seats filled at the Camden Yards stadium since opening day, when 48,000-plus turned out. Even on the road there was only one crowd in Anaheim that was bigger than...