O's to feature Plush Cow giveway, Kids Run the Bases and Big League Readers on March 14

This Saturday, March 14, the Orioles will feature two activities exclusively for children, as well as a Plush Cow promotional giveaway when the Orioles take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Ed Smith Stadium at 1:05 p.m.

The first 3,000 fans through the gates on Saturday will receive a Plush Cow, presented by Chick-fil-A. Following the game, Schofield, Hand & Bright Orthopaedics will sponsor Kids Run the Bases, when all children ages 14 and under may run the bases like their favorite Major League stars.

During the ceremonial first pitch before the game, one youngster will represent the over 70 children who successfully completed the 2015 Big League Reader challenge by checking out and reading at least three books from a Sarasota County Library during the month of February.

Now in its fifth year, the Big League Reader program encourages children to read, and rewards their efforts with a free spring training game ticket. One lucky participant, chosen at random, receives the honor of throwing out the first pitch. A partnership of the Orioles and Sarasota County Libraries, the program has grown exponentially. This year, participants read nearly 300 books.

The Orioles' participation in the Big League Reader program is part of Sarasota 365, a host of initiatives through which the Baltimore Orioles and OriolesREACH demonstrate the ballclub's year-round engagement with the Greater Sarasota community. Whether hosting youth activities, participating in charitable causes, or partnering in efforts to boost the local economy, the Orioles are active in the region all year long, proving that their commitment to the club's southern home goes far beyond baseball. For more information or to sign up for the Orioles in Sarasota e-newsletter, visit www.orioles.com/sarasota.