Richard Hardesty’s current research examines the role the Baltimore Orioles played in highlighting the city’s racial turmoil, urban renewal and identity. The lecture will look at the social and cultural connections of Baltimore’s professional sports teams, the Orioles and the Colts, to the local community during the 1960s. Particular focus will be made on how players and management responded to the 1968 Baltimore riots, which erupted after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In light of the 50th anniversary year of these unfortunate events, this event compares those reactions to the events of April 2015. The Baltimore Orioles infamously played a game with empty stands to avoid the potential of violence, as had happened outside of the stadium during the unrest.