OriolesREACH to host third annual Birdland Golf Classic in Sarasota

On Wednesday, February 20, the Orioles will hold the 3rd Annual OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota, an organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for every person to play baseball, regardless of their ability. The event begins with registration and lunch at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start set for 12:30 p.m. The classic will feature a silent auction and the chance to play a round with current and former Orioles players and coaches. Manager Buck Showalter and current Orioles Jim Johnson, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters are among the many Orioles scheduled to attend. "Proceeds from this event stay right here in the Manasota area and over the last few years, the money raised has helped pay for a specially designed field that provides all children a chance to play baseball," said Orioles All-Star closer and Sarasota resident Jim Johnson. "The event is a lot of fun for all involved, and we hope many people will come out to help support this great cause." Registration is now open for golfers and corporate partners. There are multiple levels of participation available, including MVP Sponsor packages which consist of recognition as a presenting sponsor, a foursome with the opportunity to select your Orioles playing partner, four infield box seats to a 2013 Orioles Spring Training game, and more. Since its inception, the Birdland Golf Classic has raised more than $56,000 for the Miracle League of Manasota. For the 14,000 school-aged children with disabilities and their adult counterparts in Sarasota and Manatee counties, a synthetically surfaced baseball field with all the requisite amenities was built last year in Longwood Park, just off University Parkway in Sarasota. Sarasota County committed $500,000 to the capital improvement of Longwood Park, while the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates contributed $150,000 for the field. The opening game of the Miracle League of Manasota was held on March 17, 2012. For more information, visit www.miracleleaguemanasota.org. For more information or to register for the golf event, contact the Miracle League of Manasota at (941) 225-2966 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The entry deadline is Wednesday, February 13.