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Baltimore Orioles Vendor Captivates Audience with Stolen Spotlight

Contest for best vendor unfolds amidst Baltimore Orioles games as "Fancy Clancy," a vendor with a longstanding history since 1974, shares his insights in an interview by StoryCorps.

Vendor of Baltimore Orioles' Games Surely Whips Up the Excitement
Vendor of Baltimore Orioles' Games Surely Whips Up the Excitement

Baltimore Orioles Vendor Captivates Audience with Stolen Spotlight

In the heart of Baltimore, a legendary figure has been serving fans at Orioles games for over five decades. Clarence Haskett, affectionately known as Fancy Clancy, has been a fixture at the stadium since 1974.

Haskett's journey began in 1954, the year the Orioles joined Major League Baseball. Back then, he used his charm and wit to attract customers, with rhymes like, "Hey, empty your pockets, put your money in your hand, here's Clancy, your beer man."

Jerry Collier, another long-time vendor, met Haskett on one of his early days. Collier admired Haskett's work ethic and the way he interacted with customers. He recalls the pressure to be a successful seller, but Haskett's unique personality and quick pace, due to his background as a sprinter in college, set him apart.

Good vendors, according to Haskett, pick up their cases and carry them instead of using straps. He compares his work to being a professional athlete, maintaining his fitness and training during the off-season. Haskett's dedication paid off, as he made $8.25 on his very first day as a vendor.

Haskett and Collier even planned their weddings around Orioles games. The transcript of their recent interview was provided by NPR, and it will be archived at the Library of Congress. Collier believes Haskett epitomizes all that's right in the world.

Despite his long career, Haskett shows no signs of slowing down. He believes he has another 10 years of working as a vendor if he stays healthy. And as he continues to serve fans at Orioles games, Fancy Clancy remains a beloved figure in Baltimore's sports community.

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