Orioles to host Autism Awareness Night on April 29

Special ticket offer allows fans to support Autism Speaks

In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month, the Orioles, OriolesREACH, and major league baseball are partnering with Autism Speaks to host Autism Awareness Night on Friday, April 29, when the Orioles host the Chicago White Sox at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Discounted Upper Reserve tickets are available for purchase at www.orioles.com/autism, and $5 for every ticket sold through the site will benefit Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Local leaders in the movement for autism awareness will be honored for their contributions to this initiative in a special pregame ceremony. Jackie Howard, programs vice president, from Alpha Xi Delta-Towson University, will be recognized for the chapter's fundraising efforts for Baltimore Walk Now for Autism Speaks. In 2015, the Alpha Xi Delta-Towson University chapter raised more than $15,500 for Autism Speaks and provided more than 100 volunteers for the walk. Alpha Xi Delta-Towson University will present the check to Susan Pereles, director of field development for Autism Speaks, in an on-field ceremony prior to the game. Additionally, the Orioles will recognize John McConnell as part of the club's Heavy Hitter Ceremony at 6:15 p.m. McConnell and his team "Brennan's Brigade" were the top fundraising team at the 2015 Baltimore Walk.

Following the pregame ceremonies, Ronnie Vasco, a three-year-old boy from Sykesville, Md., will throw out the ceremonial first pitch with his father, Pete Vasco; his mother, Megan Vasco; and his sister, Sophia Vasco. Vasco attends Kennedy Krieger, Early Achievements Program in Baltimore, Md., a therapeutic center for autism. Ronnie Vasco is the inspiration for one of the 2015 Baltimore Walk Now for Autism Speaks top walk teams, "Team Ronnie."

The following resources will also be available for Autism Awareness Night at Oriole Park:

* Quiet Room: Families looking to get some reprieve for a few innings can visit Suite 74. Families can still watch the game from this area, but in a quieter, climate-controlled suite.

* Information Booth: Fans can stop by the Orioles Community Booth inside of Gate D to learn more about autism, Autism Speaks, and resources available in the Baltimore community.

For more information or to purchase tickets for Autism Awareness Night, visit orioles.com/autism.