The Baltimore Sun’s readers have voted on what’s the best in the region, from wedding venues and roofers to pediatricians and hair salons. This year’s winners include people and businesses recognized for outstanding service and customer satisfaction over the last year.
The poll includes more than 700 winners in nearly 200 categories in six areas — Activities & Arts, Home & Garden, Food & Drink, Lifestyles & Shopping, Personal services and People & Media. More than 75,000 ballots were cast cultivating a list of your favorite museums, pizza joints, boutiques, TV anchors, radio hosts and more.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson catches a line drive at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 26, 2023. (Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun Staff)
Best Oriole: Gunnar Henderson
What can’t Gunnar Henderson do? The Orioles shortstop has enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, emerging not just as a candidate for the American League Most Valuable Player Award but also as a linchpin for an organization that expects to be perennial playoff contenders for the foreseeable future. Henderson boasts tantalizing home run power, strong instincts on the bases and a defensive skill set that can fill a highlight reel.
Only 23 years old, Henderson has already captured Baltimore’s attention and that of baseball fans around everywhere. He was among the leading vote-getters for a starting spot in this year’s MLB All-Star Game, the annual midsummer gathering of the sport’s best players. In true humble Henderson fashion, the Alabama native credited hard work and his coaching staff for getting him this far.
“It’s just kind of a testament to the development that I’ve had and then also just the work that I felt like I put in during the offseason and also getting to spring training and just being able to work with the infield coaches [and] the hitting coaches,” Henderson said. “Being able to just have guys like that in your corner and to go to work for them each and every day, it makes it fun coming to the ballpark.”
Baltimore’s newest superstar is a self-described “old soul” who listens to classic rock, builds LEGOs and takes his craft seriously. Revered in the minor leagues for his work ethic, he has won Orioles fans over with his blue-collar attitude and consistent production. As the club takes aim at ending its 36-year World Series drought this October, Henderson is leading the way. The future has arrived.
— Matt Weyrich
Activist: Frank Neighoff Honorable mentions:
Steven RivelisEvan WoodardKate Cook
Author: Charmyra E. Fleming Honorable mentions:
Jennifer VidoJohn WatersLaura Lippman
Clergyperson: Richard Dickens, New Metropolitan Baptist Church Honorable mentions:
Ben Cachiaras, Mountain Christian ChurchJim Muratore, St. Luke’s Church on the AvenueBonnie McCubbin, Old Otterbein United Methodist Church
College professor: Alan Orr, Maryland Institute College of ArtHonorable mentions:
Mark Hubbard, Loyola University MarylandCurtis Black, Coppin State UniversityKatie Moulton, Johns Hopkins University
DJ: DJ SteezyHonorable mentions:
DJ ChuckspinzDJ KopecDJ Groovy Twist
Instagram account: J.B. Shepard @Puptrait Honorable mentions:
@thebaltimorefoodie@themodestflorist@Wine.Dine.Repeat
Meteorologist: Justin Berk, justinweather.com Honorable mentions:
Tom Tasselmyer, WBAL-TVAva Marie, WBAL-TVTony Pann, WBAL-TV
Oriole: Gunnar Henderson Honorable mentions:
Adley RutschmanCedric MullinsAnthony Santander
Personal trainer: Kelly Whalen, Maryland Athletic Club Honorable mentions:
Candice Hennessey, Yoga CentricDani K Gym & WellnessSean Shuman, Jewish Community Center
Podcast: No Pix After Dark Honorable mentions:
Irreverent Health with Tom Ingegno and Matt HamptonConversations with Rich BennettAaron Palmer, Native Tongues
Politician/government official: Tony Giangiordano, Harford County Council Honorable mentions:
Gov. Wes MooreRep. Jamie RaskinOdette Ramos, Baltimore City Council
Radio host: Josh Spiegel, 98 Rock Baltimore Honorable mentions:
Tom Hall, WYPR 88.1FMBob Delmont, 93.1 WPOCT.J. Smith, WBAL NewsRadio 1090
Radio station: WYPR 88.1 FM Honorable mentions:
93.1 WPOC98 ROCK, WIYY 97.9 FMWTMD 89.7 FM
Raven: Justin TuckerHonorable mentions:
Lamar JacksonMark AndrewsRoquan Smith
School principal: Erin Upton, St. Elizabeth School Honorable mentions:
Carl Patton, The John Carroll SchoolDarryl Robbins, Sandymount ElementaryBryan Pawlicki, North Harford High
Sports talk show: Ravens Gameday Radio, 98 Rock Honorable mentions:
Big Bad Morning Show, 105.7 The FanBob Haynie, CBS Radio 105.7 the Fan
Stage actor: Bruce Randolph Nelson, Everyman Theatre Honorable mention:
Todd Krickler, Spotlighters Theatre
TV personality: Denise Koch, WJZ Honorable mentions:
Ashley Hinson, WBALKai Jackson, WBFFKevin Brown, Orioles ESPN
Twitter feed: Courtney Bindl @notmythirdrodeo Honorable mentions:
Carol Ott @carolSOttJake Leizear @jake_my_day
Visual artist: J.B. Shepard Honorable mentions:
Collin CessnaMcFadden Art GlassJoyce Scott
Editor’s note: Winners and honorable mentions were determined by popular vote. Readers were invited to nominate and vote online from April to June. The ballot and results are generated solely by readers’ votes. The Baltimore Sun does not take responsibility for the services offered or advertised by those listed.