Orioles Reach to present check for $26,000 to Miracle League of Manasota tomorrow

In an on-field ceremony prior to tomorrow's 7:05 p.m. game against the Minnesota Twins, the Orioles will present a check for $26,000 to representatives from the Miracle League of Manasota, an organization dedicated to providing an opportunity to play baseball for everyone, regardless of their ability. The money was raised through the club's OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic, held February 17 at The Founders Club in Sarasota. Orioles reliever and Sarasota resident Jim Johnson, President of the Miracle League Bob Mitchell, General Manager of the Founders Club Hugh O'Donnell and a representative from each of the MVP foursomes will participate in the ceremony, which will be held at approximately 6:45 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium. For the 14,000 school-aged children with disabilities and their adult counterparts in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the Miracle League of Manasota will build a synthetically surfaced baseball field and all the requisite amenities in Longwood Park, just off University Parkway in Sarasota. Sarasota County has committed $500,000 to the capital improvement of Longwood Park. The opening game of the Miracle League of Manasota is planned for Fall 2011. For more information, visit www.miracleleaguemanasota.org