Annual "Go Green" auction to feature caps, bases from St. Patrick's Day game

You already know that Saturday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, which is reserved for the wearing of the green. It's the one day when the Orioles divert from their typical orange-and-black color scheme to don green caps for the only time during spring training.

But you won't want to miss the bidding on the green in the club's annual "Go Green" auction to benefit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota.

Orioles players and coaches will wear specially designed green caps when the Orioles take on the Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium at 1:05 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day. Each base will also have special St. Patrick's Day jewels on them in celebration of the holiday. The three bases will be authenticated and auctioned, and the game-worn and team-issued caps will be autographed, authenticated and auctioned online at www.orioles.com/spring to benefit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Orioles fans may bid online to support Selby Gardens in the annual "Go Green" auction at www.orioles.com/spring beginning Saturday, March 17, at 1 p.m. through Saturday, March 24, at 8 p.m. In the past three years, the "Go Green" auction has raised approximately $22,000 to support conservation and education initiatives at Selby Gardens.

Selby Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden and leader in environmental research and education nestled in an urban setting on the shores of Sarasota Bay. More than 200,000 guests visit each year to relax, learn, explore and experience the plants, exhibits and educational programs available 364 days a year. Selby Gardens specializes in epiphytes - plants like orchids, bromeliads and ferns that grow upon other plants without harming them. Through educational outreach and horticultural displays, Selby Gardens promotes understanding of the natural world and stimulates advocacy for plant habitat conservation.

Additionally, Ed Smith Stadium is one of the most environmentally friendly ballparks in the nation, using recycling, reclaimed water for toilets and irrigation, and solar panels and roofing materials that conserve energy. The Orioles are a partner in Sarasota County's "Green Business Partnership" program. Additional information on the Orioles' commitment to the environment at Ed Smith Stadium can be found at www.orioles.com/sarasota.