It was not exactly business as usual at Schmitz Press in Sparks, MD, on Tuesday, November 26, when Eddie Murray visited. The Oriole superstar was on hand to sign the limited edition art prints he commissioned to commemorate his 500th home run, hit at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 6, 1996. Schmitz Press, an award-winning commercial printing company, produced the lithographs from an original watercolor by artist Kevin Peddicord, who was also at the company that day to sign and number the prints.

Schmitz employees and a few of their children were thrilled to meet the future Hall-of-Famer, who shook hands, posed for pictures, signed autographs, and joked and chatted with his fans at Schmitz Press, despite having to catch a plane to California immediately after the signing. When asked about his chances of returning next season as an Oriole, Eddie just winked and said, "You never know." If it were up to the employees of Schmitz Press, there would be no doubt about it.

The limited edition prints, as well as a very limited edition of artist's and publisher's proofs, are being sold by mail order through Club Level, Inc. For ordering information, call 1-800-711-4111.