Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones to go head-to-head with local husband-and-wife team in ballpark food cook-off

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BALTIMORE ORIOLES OUTFIELDER ADAM JONES TO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH LOCAL HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM IN BALLPARK FOOD COOK-OFF

CareFirst Fan Challenge winner to put Jones' culinary creation to the test on
Wednesday, August 3 at Dempsey's Brew Pub

BALTIMORE (July 28, 2016) - Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) today announced that Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones will face the winner of the 2016 CareFirst Fan Challenge, husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Elizabeth Irish, in a cooking competition on Wednesday, August 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant.

This year, Jones challenged fans to whip up their favorite ballpark-themed dishes and share their culinary creations on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #IChallengeAJ. He then chose the winner, the Irishes, and challenged them to go head-to-head with him in a competition to see who can make the most mouthwatering menu item. On August 3, both the husband and wife team and Jones will create their signature dishes for a panel of local celebrity judges.

The competition will air August 3 on MASN during O's Xtra, the Orioles exclusive pregame show, before the Birds take on the Rangers.

"The photo of the loaded French fries that Kevin and Elizabeth submitted looked pretty delicious, so it's definitely going to be a challenging cook-off," said Jones. "However, between that and my competitive edge, I'm feeling pretty confident going into the competition."

Kevin and Elizabeth own the restaurant The Local Fry, which is located in Federal Hill and proudly serves specialty French fries topped with unique meats, sauces, and fresh vegetables. Judges of the upcoming cooking competition include Chef Chad Gauss from The Food Market, located on the Avenue in Hampden and known for its approachable, serious comfort food, in addition to 13-year-old Bryce Taylor, a Food Network Teen Chef and Junior Finalist from Food Network's show Chopped Junior. Chris Person, Sous Chef for Dempsey's Brew Pub & Restaurant, will serve as Jones' assistant for the day.

"We look forward to hosting the competition between Adam and the Irishes," said Olivia Witherite, MASN's social media director. "We also can't wait to welcome the talented Chef Gauss and Chef Taylor. Given their level of culinary experience and knowledge, we know they'll let the best cook(s), whether it be Adam or the Irishes, win."

Jones has gained quite a bit of culinary experience throughout the past few years' CareFirst Fan Challenge competitions. Last year, fan Thomas Turnbaugh challenged Adam and Orioles first base coach Wayne Kirby to a good, old-fashioned BBQ battle at Camden Yards. In 2014, Andrew, a cook at a local Baltimore burger joint, battled the outfielder in a burger-making contest at Abbey Burger Bistro.

"We are thrilled to sponsor the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Fan Challenge again this year," said Michael Sullivan, Senior Director, Internal and External Communications for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. "Adam is such a great sport, and the Challenge is a fun, unique opportunity to see the fan support Jones and the Orioles have from the Baltimore community."

About Mid-Atlantic Sports Network
The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) is a regional sports network owned by two Major League Baseball franchises -- the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles -- and televises every available game of both teams, live and in high definition. The network is available in a seven-state region, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Charlotte, North Carolina on 29 cable, fiber optic and satellite providers. For more information, please visit www.MASNsports.com.

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 78th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.4 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2015, CareFirst contributed nearly $40 million to improve overall health, and increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit our website at www.carefirst.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram or Google+.

About Dempsey's Brew Pub and Restaurant
Dempsey's Brew Pub and Restaurant - named after beloved former Baltimore Oriole Rick Dempsey - is the sports-and Orioles-themed brew pub and restaurant on Eutaw Street at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Dempsey's is open daily for lunch and dinner during both game days and non-game days. The menu is upscale American fare and features a wide assortment of bottled beer to go along with Dempsey's original in-house-brewed draft beers.

The restaurant's décor features Orioles memorabilia and displays of the on-field accomplishments of Dempsey - a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame and the MVP of the 1983 World Series, in which the Orioles defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. The restaurant has capacity to hold up to 250 people, frequently hosts special functions and also has summer patio seating on Eutaw Street.

Dempsey's is a partnership between Delaware North Sportservice -- the Orioles' food, beverage and retail services provider at Oriole Park since 2011 and one of the leading food service and retail management companies at stadiums, arenas and ballparks worldwide -- and Dempsey, who is also a member of the Orioles broadcast team.

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