Orioles and OriolesREACH announce series of upcoming youth initiatives in Sarasota

The Orioles and OriolesREACH have announced a series of upcoming youth initiatives in the Sarasota area and at Ed Smith Stadium. On Friday, March 9, the Oriole Bird will fly to Tuttle Elementary School to participate in the Tuttle Turtle's Walk to help students raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tuttle Elementary is located just across the street from Ed Smith Stadium, at 2863 8th Street. On Saturday, March 10, current and former Orioles players and coaches, including Orioles Hall of Fame catcher Chris Hoiles, will host a baseball clinic on the main field at Ed Smith Stadium for 40 youth from the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Clubs. The clinic will begin at 1 p.m. and will include instruction in pitching, hitting, fielding, throwing and baserunning. The Oriole Bird will also be present and refreshments will be provided. For the second consecutive year, Sarasota County public libraries and the Baltimore Orioles teamed up this spring to promote reading through the Orioles Big League Reader program. Children ages six and over who signed up for the program and read three or more books in the month of February received a complimentary reserved grandstand ticket to the Wednesday, March 14 game. March 14 is also "Kids Run the Bases" Day presented by Schofield, Hand & Bright Orthopaedics. Following the 1:05 p.m. game, all kids 14 and under will be invited onto the field to take their turn running the bases like their major league heroes and then will be treated to pizza courtesy of Jets Pizza. Finally, the Orioles and OriolesREACH will conduct a free baseball skills clinic for pre-registered Sarasota youth on the main field at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. The clinic is open to youth ages 8-14 who reside in Sarasota County . Those interested must complete an application form available now at Ed Smith Stadium or at www.orioles.com/sarasota and clicking "Community Calendar". Print and mail the completed form to Ed Smith Stadium, Attn: April 7 Clinic, 2700 12 th Street , Sarasota , FL 34237 . From submissions received, 50 boys and girls will be randomly selected to receive instruction in throwing, hitting, fielding and baserunning from Orioles minor league players and instructors.