Albert William “Al” Kaline was born in Baltimore in 1934 and raised in Westport, an area of the city just south of the intersection of I-95 and I-295. Kaline is one of two baseball Hall of Famers born in Baltimore, the other one being, of course, Babe Ruth.
Westport is notable in Baltimore baseball history not only as Kaline’s hometown, but as home in 1950 to the Negro American League Baltimore Elite Giants. Westport Stadium, once located just southeast of the intersection of I-295 and Annapolis Road, hosted not only Negro League baseball, but also was home to some of Baltimore’s first NASCAR events.
Cedley Street, The Block Where Hall of Famer Al Kaline Grew Up
On a recent trip to Westport in search of the Elite Giant’s former home ballpark, I stopped in front of 2222 Cedley Street to take pictures of the house where Kaline once lived. The white-painted brick house is currently boarded up. A key box hanging on the front door knob suggests that it is either soon to be on the market or perhaps under renovation.
2222 Cedley Street - Boyhood Home of Al Kaline
For the past decade or so there has been talk of redeveloping Westport’s waterfront to include new office space, hotel rooms, retail, and residential units. Over the years those plans have hit a variety of snags and delays, however, redevelopment seems all but inevitable. The area in Westwood projected for redevelopment is just a long fly ball from Kaline’s former home.
Westport Waterfront - Just a Couple Blocks North of Kaline's Former Home
Given the current state of 2222 Cedley Street, and the chance for a nearby neighborhood renaissance, hopefully those planning Westport’s revitalized waterfront appreciate the history of that house and will find a way to insure it is part of Westport’s future.
David, with all your Baltimore baseball knowledge, have you thought to propose a Baltimore Baseball Tour to the city tourism board for inclusion to their visitor’s guide?
With all the sites discovered, they would make a great road trip tour of the city.
Hello Mark
I like that suggestion. I’ll have to look into contacting the Baltimore tourism board about this.
I have in the past given lost ballpark tours of Baltimore. I’m hoping to hold one this fall. If you live in the area, you would be welcome to come along.
DBS
I would LOVE to accompany you on a tour one day. Someone should place a sign at Al Kaline’s house to save it for tourism.
Hello Mark
I will let you know as soon as I know when the next lost ballpark tour will be held.
DBS
Husband and I were recently in Baltimore and if I’d known where the Kaline home was, I would have insisted on seeing it. As a great fan of baseball from childhood, I followed Al’s career, and had a fan club for him. I’ve always wanted to meet him in person. Thank you for the pictures. I enjoyed my time in Baltimore and walking about Camden Yards.