Orioles launching "Have a Catch" campaign

This Father's Day weekend, the Orioles are beginning a new campaign stemming from Major League Baseball's "Play Ball" campaign called the "Have a Catch" campaign, spurring fans and kids to get outside and play catch. The event will be introduced during the final game of the series between the Orioles and the Cardinals this Father's Day, June 18.

This event is sold-out and has raised more than $20,000 for the Orioles Charitable Foundation. Before the first pitch, fans will be able to experience a toss in the outfield! And after the game, younger children will have the opportunity to run the bases!

Starting on Saturday, June 17, there will be numerous events held with local Baltimore associations throughout the week. At these events, kids will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play catch with some of their favorite Orioles players, alumni, mascot and employees! The week-long campaign will be promoted throughout the entire Orioles organization, including their minor league affiliates.

So mark your calendars for Monday, June 19, as Orioles pitcher Mychal Givens and the Oriole Bird will be playing catch with some lucky students from New Song Academy. On Wednesday, June 21, the Orioles have invited special guest Luke Terry for a special first catch. Terry is a 14-year-old eighth grader from Cornersville, Tenn. He had a rough start as a child, having his right arm amputated as an infant. But he was able to turn a negative into a positive by overcoming the physical challenge of playing baseball with one arm, while inspiring others through his willpower. Terry will also join Welington Castillo, Caleb Joseph and bench coach John Russell for a personal workout prior to the night's game.

Fans have the opportunity to get in on the action by being randomly selected to win tremendous prizes by posting to Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HaveACatch.

"Playing catch is one of the most basic elements of our game and yet also one of the most rewarding," said Orioles vice president of communications and marketing Greg Bader in a released statement. "Whether it's the memory of that first game of catch with a loved one or a friendly toss between teammates at the game's highest level, the simple act of playing catch is a meaningful experience. The best part of this initiative is that children don't need expensive equipment or an entire team to have a catch - just a ball and a throwing partner."

MLB launched the "Play Ball" campaign in 2015 to promote participation in baseball activities. In 2016, the campaign was expanded to include "Play Ball Weekend." "Play Ball's" goal is to afford kids the opportunity to experience the game in a fun environment and provide them with a memorable experience.

By Keenan Woofter