Orioles Announce Additional Details of America's 250th Celebration
The Orioles today announced additional details of the club’s celebration of America’s semiquincentennial on Saturday, July 11, when the team hosts the Kansas City Royals at 7:05 p.m. ET. As part of the evening, the Orioles will honor and celebrate the United States of America and those who served our country during pregame and in-game ceremonies, and all fans can stay postgame to enjoy Oriole Park’s first-ever drone show, presented by Coca-Cola.
First Pitch: DANIEL KING, an Army veteran and proud Maryland native, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game. King served for 20 years (1998-2018) with the Army Rangers and in multiple Tier 1 organizations before retiring to spend more time with his family. King’s son, who is preparing to enlist in the Army, will join him on the field to catch his first pitch.
Giveaway: 20,000 fans will receive a HOT DOG RACE CAP, presented by DriveEzMD. Ketchup, Mustard, and Relish hats will be distributed at random upon entry to the ballpark. In addition, 15,000 HANDHELD AMERICAN FLAGS, courtesy of America 250 and Major League Baseball, will be distributed by ushers and available at Guest Services throughout the ballpark.
Military Take The Field: Military members will join the Orioles on the field during the national anthem.
National Anthem: 03-year-old CORPORAL WILBUR J. “JACK” MYERS will perform his rendition of the national anthem from the field before the game. Cpl. Myers is a Williamsport, Md., native who served with distinction as a corporal gunner in the U.S. Army’s 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion during World War II. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.
Flag Drop: A 30’ x 42’ flag from Fort McHenry will be lowered from the batter’s eye during the national anthem performance. The flag is a replica of the one that flew over Fort McHenry when Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner. Fort McHenry rangers, employees, and national monument volunteers will help unfurl the American flag.
Honor Guard: Colors will be presented on the field by members of the JOINT ARMED FORCES COLOR GUARD.
Flyover: The national anthem performance will conclude with a flyover by the 104th Fighter Squadron (104th FS), nicknamed the Fightin' O's, A-10C Thunderbolt II.
“Play Ball”: A military member will yell out the ceremonial “play ball” before the game.
Declaration of Independence: Fans will be able to view a limited replica copy of the STONE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE in Legends Park before and during the game.
The Baltimore Dog: The Orioles will unveil a Baltimore-style take on the classic hot dog. The all-beef Baltimore Dog is topped with fried bologna, sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and brown mustard. Fans can purchase the Baltimore Dog at Camden Franks near Sections 39 and 83, The Eutaw Street Butchery, and The All-Star Kitchen near Sections 214 and 256 on the Club Level.
In-Park Decorations: United States-themed decorations will be displayed throughout the ballpark, including on the Warehouse, field, and Flag Court.
In-Game Elements: Special in-game elements will include a military appreciation video by Orioles players, Americana-themed music, an Americana-themed Berks Live Hot Dog Race, and a hot dog eating contest.
In-Game Welcome: The Orioles will hold an in-game welcome celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the first women midshipmen being admitted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. in July 1976.
Military Spotlight: The Orioles will highlight all veterans and active-duty service members in attendance for their Military Spotlight, presented by RBR-Technologies. The Orioles’ Military Spotlight highlights the impact and commitment of those who serve our country with a special in-game tribute.
USA250 x Fourth of July Merch: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition USA250 x Fourth of July Orioles merch at the Team Store on Eutaw Street.
Postgame Drone Show: All fans are invited to stay postgame for the first-ever DRONE SHOW at Oriole Park, presented by Coca-Cola. The show will be set to Americana-themed music, with USA images as well as Orioles, baseball, and Maryland visuals.
Gates for Saturday’s game will open at 5:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets, and for more information, visit Orioles.com/Celebrating250.