Bird Tapes Photo Album: Baltimore’s Blonde Broomgirl

John Eisenberg reflects on Linda Warehime, who became a beloved fixture at Baltimore Orioles games at Memorial Stadium starting in 1968. As an 11-year-old, she began sweeping dust from the bases between innings while her father directed stadium traffic and her brothers worked on the grounds crew. A recently shared photo from Game 2 of the 1971 World Series captured Pittsburgh Pirates third base coach Frank Oceak tipping his cap to her.

Warehime continued her role until graduating from Overlea High School in 1974, becoming Major League Baseball's first female ballgirl alongside her base-sweeping duties. Her playful interactions with opposing coaches made her a fan favorite, leading to appearances in Sports Illustrated and on national television shows during the Orioles' peak years.