OriolesREACH-ing into Sarasota community

There's still some time before the promos and giveaways will start at Camden Yards, but the Orioles and OriolesREACH have planned several appearances and activities in Sarasota while the O's are south for spring training. Orioles players and the Bird will make visits to charitable organizations in the Sarasota area, in addition to hosting a clinic and a game at Ed Smith Stadium throughout the weeks encompassing spring training. To kick things off, an Orioles player and the Oriole Bird will appear at the Ripken Baseball Opening Day festivities at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26. On March 1, the O's will host children from local Boys and Girls Clubs for an intrasquad scrimmage at Ed Smith Stadium. Afterward, the kids will participate in an on-field clinic conducted by O's players and staff that will include instruction in the areas of hitting, pitching and fielding. OriolesREACH will also treat 100 disadvantaged children with a game ticket, O's hat, and concessions vouchers at each of several home games at Ed Smith Stadium as part of the Gameday Experience Program. On March 10, Orioles players will visit sick children in the Sarasota Memorial Hospital pediatric unit. A few days later on March 13, the Sarasota Challenge League will play a game on the main field at Ed Smith Stadium, and O's players will participate and serve as helpers for the game. More details will be announced as the date of each event nears, so check back for more as spring training continues.