Oriole Bird to help open youth baseball seasons across Sarasota County beginning Saturday

Attending youth baseball openers for local teams has been a tradition since the Orioles arrived in Sarasota for Major League Spring Training in 2010. This season, the Oriole Bird will make three stops to help open youth baseball leagues. On Saturday, February 14, the Oriole Bird will participate in Opening Day ceremonies for Venice Little League, followed by Sarasota Little League on February 21, and the Miracle League of Manasota on March 14.

The Oriole Bird will open the Venice Little League season with an appearance this Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to noon at 250 Fort Street in Venice. The Bird will fly into the Sarasota Little League season's commencement at Twin Lakes Park at 6700 Clark Road from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21.

On Saturday, March 14, the Oriole Bird will help launch the Miracle League of Manasota's 2015 spring season with an appearance from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Longwood Run Park at 6050 Longwood Run Boulevard in Sarasota. The Orioles were a founding sponsor of the league's specially designed ballpark, which makes it possible for everyone to play baseball, regardless of their abilities. In 2014, the Orioles made an additional contribution to the league in honor of retiring Major Leaguer Derek Jeter. Each year, the Orioles also host the OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic, a tournament that benefits the Miracle League of Manasota. This year's event, which features Orioles players and coaches participating with members of the public, is scheduled for February 23 at The Founders Club in Sarasota.