Orioles encourage area children to "Play Ball" as several youth clinics highlight the seven-game homestand

The Orioles will open their seven-game homestand on Friday, June 26, at 7:05 p.m. against the Cleveland Indians. Following Major League Baseball's announcement of a new league-wide "Play Ball" campaign designed to encourage widespread participation of all forms of baseball among youth, Orioles players and coaches will participate in two youth clinics - one focusing on the fundamentals of baseball and softball, and the other emphasizing the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle. Additionally, the Baltimore RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program, which is part of Major League Baseball's RBI initiative, is now underway for the 27th season with more than 500 youth expected to participate through mid-July.

On Saturday, June 27, the Orioles will partner with the Coppin State University women's softball team to conduct their annual Baltimore City Youth Baseball and Softball Clinic at Carroll Park (2100 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Orioles center fielder ADAM JONES, shortstop J.J. HARDY and his wife ADRIENNE HARDY, former Orioles LARRY BIGBIE, KEN DIXON, RICK KRIVDA, and LARRY SHEETS, and Orioles coaches WAYNE KIRBY, RUDY ARIAS, and JETT RUIZ will serve as instructors to teach baseball and softball fundamentals to 300 Baltimore City youth, most of whom are involved in the Orioles RBI program. Morgan State University softball coaches will also be on hand to assist with the clinic. In addition to receiving baseball and softball training, each child will enjoy refreshments provided by ESSKAY. The Orioles will also donate 600 tickets to clinic participants for a future Orioles game. Media interested in covering this event should contact Chris Martrich ([email protected]) to RSVP.

In addition, Orioles third baseman MANNY MACHADO, Head Athletic Trainer RICHIE BANCELLS, and Assistant Athletic Trainer BRIAN EBEL will welcome 80 youth from Baltimore Rec and Parks "Play Baseball" youth program to Oriole Park on Tuesday, June 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PLAY, which stands for Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth, is a public awareness campaign of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS), in conjunction with the Taylor Hooton Foundation. The PLAY Campaign was established to help prevent childhood obesity and promote healthy living and decision-making among young people throughout the country. Machado will speak to the youth about making smart life choices, avoiding drugs, and the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. The Orioles will also provide PLAY clinic participants with tickets to attend the 7:05 p.m. game against the Texas Rangers that night. Media interested in covering this event should contact Chris Martrich ([email protected]) to RSVP.

Established in 1989, Baltimore RBI has long encouraged Baltimore youth to play baseball and softball throughout the summer. This season, United Concordia has partnered with the Baltimore RBI and has donated $10,000 toward the program, which will benefit both baseball and softball teams. There are seven softball teams, five 12U baseball teams, 10 baseball teams ages 13-15, and 12 baseball teams ages 16-18.

The Orioles support Baltimore RBI participants in a variety of ways including an on-field recognition of the championship teams in each age division toward the end of the season and complimentary tickets to RBI coaches and players for the selected game. Last weekend, Oriole Park also hosted 30 RBI coaches for a coaching clinic put on by the Positive Coaching Alliance. PCA, a Stanford University-based non-profit organization, works with coaches, organizational leaders, and parents to teach young athletes about teamwork, discipline, respect, and setting proper goals through their athletic experiences. Coaches were treated to lunch provided by DNC during the workshop.

Near the end of the season, the Orioles will send All-Star teams to Prince George's County to represent Baltimore in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament. The club will provide transportation, uniforms, and hotel accommodations. The softball team and baseball team ages 16-18 will also have the opportunity to work together as a team at the Dan Duquette Sports Academy in Hinsdale, MA, courtesy of the Orioles.

IN THE COMMUNITY

JIMMY PAREDES AND JIM HENNEMAN TO APPEAR AT ORIOLES TEAM STORE IN YORK
On Monday, June 29, Orioles infielder JIMMY PAREDES will make an appearance at the Orioles Team Store in the York Galleria (2899 Whiteford Rd, York, PA 17402) from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Paredes will sign autographs and greet fans. The event is free of charge and open to the public. In addition, longtime Baltimore sportswriter and author of "Baltimore Orioles: 60 Years of Orioles Magic," JIM HENNEMAN will be doing a book signing at the store from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and fans who have already secured their copy are encouraged to bring their book if they wish to have it signed.

TRAVIS SNIDER TO ATTEND BOYS & GIRLS CLUB GRADUATION CEREMONY
On Tuesday, June 30, from noon to 1:00 p.m., Orioles outfielder TRAVIS SNIDER will visit the Boys & Girls Club to celebrate the organization's Graduate For Mas Celebration. The program recognizes members who have graduated this year (from middle or high school), shown continued improvement in their studies and remain on track to graduate, and who regularly participate in Boys & Girls Club programming. Snider, a former member of the Boys & Girls Club, will speak to the members about the importance of education and planning for their future. This event will be located at 11 West Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, MD 21201. Media interested in covering this event should RSVP to [email protected].

ORIOLES PARTNER WITH MARYLAND PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO PROMOTE SUMMER READING
Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Library Development and Services is launching its 2015 Summer Reading Program at public libraries throughout the state. This year's theme, Every Hero Has a Story, focuses on the stories of all types of heroes--from ancient mythology to comic books to real people performing heroic deeds in contemporary society.

The Orioles have donated 5,000 tickets for the August 18 and August 20 games to be given as awards to the youth who participate in the library summer reading program. During a special ceremony on August 20, the 2015 Summer Reading Program representatives from each county library will be acknowledged on the field prior to that night's 7:05 p.m. game against the Minnesota Twins.  

BRIAN MATUSZ TO VISIT PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT SINAI HOSPITAL
On Wednesday, July 1, Orioles pitcher BRIAN MATUSZ, on behalf of the Casey Cares Foundation, will visit with pediatric patients at the Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai Hospital. The Casey Cares Foundation is a charity that provides uplifting programs for critically-ill children. This visit is not open to the public or to the media.

Matusz has been involved with the Casey Cares Foundation for several years and will serve as race ambassador during the sixth annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, August 1.

AT THE BALLPARK

ORIOLES TO HOST FUNDRAISING EVENT AT ORIOLE PARK TO BENEFIT SHANNON'S FUND
The Orioles and OriolesREACH will host a private, exclusive fundraising event for Shannon's Fund from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Oriole Park prior to tonight's game against the Indians.

Fans who purchased tickets will receive a Eutaw Street Reserved game ticket and an opportunity to enjoy batting practice from the Roof Deck beyond centerfield, a visit from an Orioles player, photos with the Oriole Bird, an Orioles gift, light refreshments, as well as fireworks following the conclusion of the game. Additionally, a silent auction will be held near Gate E to benefit Shannon's Fund.

An endowment at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Shannon's Fund was established by the Orioles and OriolesREACH in 2008 to provide financial support to hospital patients and their families to assist with many expenses associated with the treatment process. The endowment was created in memory of SHANNON OBAKER, the club's former Director of Community Outreach, who bravely fought cancer for a year before she passed away in 2007 at the age of 29.

CITY SCHOOLS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN EMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT ORIOLE PARK
On Wednesday, July 1, the Orioles will host students from the Leadership in Media Production from Baltimore City Public Schools through a partnership with Youth Works. The summer program enhances the in-school curriculum, allowing students to focus on digital storytelling and broadcasting. The Orioles and MASN will give these students the opportunity to showcase their talents and learn about the behind-the-scenes productions at Oriole Park.

Approximately 10 students will produce a story about their experience of working before, during, and after a Major League Baseball game. Students will cover the manager's pre-game press conference and OriolesREACH pre-game events, observe a television production from various perspectives, and have an opportunity to practice play-by-play in a broadcast booth. All of these experiences will be included in a three to four-minute video about what they saw, learned, and how their experience shaped their pursuit of landing a career in media production.    

STATE OF THE ORIOLES
On Saturday, June 27, the Orioles will host a special "State of the Orioles" event open to Orioles Season Plan Members. At 3:30 p.m., Gates A and H will open to all Full Season and 29-Game Plan Members. Fans are permitted into the ballpark for a special autograph session with Orioles players. Eight stations will be set up around the ballpark, with multiple players per station. The players will sign autographs and greet fans from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. At 4:15 p.m., Gates A and H will open to all Season Plan Members, who will be admitted into the park for a special Q & A session beginning at 4:30 p.m. featuring Orioles Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations DAN DUQUETTE and Manager BUCK SHOWALTER.  

Continuing this year, the Orioles will be offering a "Value Meal" at the concession stand located in the lower concourse behind home plate with 50 percent off select food and beverage items until 5:00 p.m. Also, Season Plan Members will be allowed to exit through Gate E and re-enter the ballpark through any gate to allow them to take items out to their car before the game begins at 7:15 p.m.

#SHOWtheGnome
On Saturday, June 27, the first 25,000 fans ages 15 and over will receive a Buck Showalter Garden Gnome prior to that night's 7:15 p.m. game against the Indians. All fans are encouraged to use #SHOWtheGnome to share photos of the Buck Showalter Garden Gnome on their social media platforms.

MANNY MACHADO'S BASEBOWL TOURNAMENT CHECK PRESENTATION
On May 18, Orioles third baseman MANNY MACHADO hosted his 2nd Annual Celebrity BaseBOWL Tournament. This sold out, star-studded event raised approximately $80,000 - including a $10,000 donation from the Orioles - for the Baltimore City Foundation, which supports Baltimore City's Recreation & Parks "Play Baseball" youth program. This initiative provides a free, eight-week summer baseball camp for local youth ages 9-12 by providing equipment, uniforms, transportation, and field refurbishment. Many guests came out to show their support including BRAD BRACH, CHRIS DAVIS, J.J. HARDY, TOMMY HUNTER, ADAM JONES, CALEB JOSEPH, JIMMY PAREDES, STEVE PEARCE, TRAVIS SNIDER, CHRIS TILLMAN, Orioles manager BUCK SHOWALTER, Orioles coaches SCOTT COOLBAUGH, EINAR DIAZ, BOBBY DICKERSON, WAYNE KIRBY, MASN broadcaster GARY THORNE, and Orioles Hall of Famers BRADY ANDERSON and CAL RIPKEN, JR.

On Tuesday, June 30, during a pre-game ceremony, Manny and his wife YAINEE MACHADO will present a check to ERNEST BURKEEN, Director of Recreation and Parks, BOB WALL, Bureau Chief of Recreation, and LEMUEL THOMAS, Director of Robert C. Marshall Recreation Center, along with youth from the Play Baseball youth program.

AMERICAN FLAG FOUNDATION
On Tuesday, June 30, the Orioles will host a special pre-game ceremony at Oriole Park for the student winners of the 2015 Philip F. Haxel, Sr. Elementary School Baton of Patriotism Essay Contest. The contest was founded by the American Flag Foundation, an organization that brings the Living American Flag at Fort McHenry and the Traveling Living American Flag to Maryland schools. PHILIP F. HAXEL, JR., son of the humanitarian for whom the contest is named, will recognize the winners.

MEMORIAL DAY JERSEY AUCTION RAISES NEARLY $14,000 FOR FORT MEADE ALLIANCE
On May 25, Memorial Day, all Orioles uniformed personnel wore a special home jersey featuring an authentic, military-digital camouflage design licensed from the United States Marine Corps embedded into the twill (Orioles script, name, and number) as well as a digicamo-patterned cap featuring the Oriole Cartoon Bird. These jerseys and caps were autographed, authenticated, and auctioned at www.orioles.com/auction. The auction raised almost $14,000 with all proceeds benefiting the Fort Meade Alliance.

29th ANNUAL ORIOLES REACH FOOD AND FUNDS DRIVE RAISED $37,000 & 7,000 LBS FOOD
The Orioles and presenting sponsor OneMain Financial, along with the Orioles Wives, Oriole Advocates, MASN, WJZ-TV, Von Paris Moving and Storage, and the Maryland Food Bank, held the 29th annual OriolesREACH Food and Funds Drive at Oriole Park, June 12-14, during the Orioles' series with the New York Yankees. Members of these groups collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations from fans at each entrance. This year's event raised $37,000 and nearly 7,000 pounds of food, an increase of more than $8,000 and more than 1,000 pounds from last year's collection.

ALUMNI AUTOGRAPH SERIES
Every Monday and Thursday home game, former Orioles players will sign autographs on Eutaw Street as part of the Orioles Alumni Autograph Series. On Monday, June 29, JACKIE BRANDT, VAL MAJEWSKI, and JOE ORSULAK are scheduled to greet fans and sign autographs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, July 2, KEN DIXON, NATE SNELL, and JOHN STEFERO will participate in the series.

ORIOLES MILITARY APPRECIATION PROGRAM
As part of the Orioles' Military Appreciation Program, the Orioles and OriolesREACH donate a catered private suite at each Sunday home game at Oriole Park to servicemen and women through the Sunday Suite Program, presented by GEICO. On Sunday, June 28, military members from The Mission Continues will enjoy the game against the Indians at 1:35 p.m. from a catered suite, have a meet-and-greet with pitcher ZACH BRITTON and catcher MATT WIETERS, and receive a player t-shirt and cap.

STEAL SECOND BASE PRESENTED BY ESSKAY
The Orioles feature the Steal Second Base contest for every Sunday home game throughout the season. Presented by ESSKAY, the Steal Second Base contest allows a young fan to participate in a timed race from the grounds crew area in center field to retrieve second base. Fans can sign up for the opportunity at the ballpark at any Fan Assistance Center. The lucky winner will receive four tickets to that day's game, gift certificates to use inside the park, an Orioles jersey, and an Orioles prize pack. The contestants will also get to keep the authentic base. The winner for Sunday, June 28, is KAYLEIGH MORRIS, an 8-year-old from Baltimore.

ORIOLES REACH COMMUNITY BOOTH
During each home game, the Orioles provide a community booth for charitable, non-profit organizations to distribute information, sell raffle tickets, register participants, or conduct health care screenings for Orioles fans. The following groups will be at the community booth, located near Gate D, during this homestand:

June 26 - Thankful Paws
June 27 - Basset Rescue of the Old Dominion
June 28 - Babe Ruth Foundation
June 29 - Dogs on Deployment
June 30 - Casey Cares Foundation
July 1 - Bella's Bully Buddies
July 2 - Animal Rescue, Inc.
    
            
ORIOLES REACH GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
This season, OriolesREACH is again hosting thousands of underprivileged youth as part of the Gameday Experience Program. Group members receive up to 150 game tickets, concessions, an Orioles t-shirt, a cap, and transportation to and from the game. Tickets are provided courtesy of Orioles players. Players participating in the program this year include WEI-YIN CHEN, CHRIS DAVIS, MIGUEL GONZALEZ, J.J. HARDY, TOMMY HUNTER, ADAM JONES, BRIAN MATUSZ, BUD NORRIS, TRAVIS SNIDER, CHRIS TILLMAN, and MATT WIETERS. The following organizations will attend games at Oriole Park during this homestand, courtesy of these Orioles players:

June 26 - One More One Less Mentoring - Matt Wieters     
June 27 - S.P.R.O.U.T. Children's Group - Brian Matusz     
June 28 - Y of Central Maryland - J.J. Hardy    
June 29 - NAACP - Bud Norris    
June 30 - Senator McFadden's Youth Group - Travis Snider    
July 1 - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks - Matt Wieters    
July 2 - East Side Colts Football League - Chris Tillman    
            
GIVEAWAYS AND TICKET OFFERS
    

June 26 - AT&T Student Night - $7 Tickets for Students with School ID

Fireworks - All fans (post-game)

June 27 - Buck Showalter Garden Gnome - First 25,000 Fans 15 & over

June 28 - Orioles Cap - DAP - First 20,000 Fans 15 & over
Junior Orioles Dugout Club Date - Pre-registered Dugout Club members

June 30 - Bud Norris "My Home. My Team." T-Shirt - Ollie's Bargain Outlet - All Fans
Ollie's Bargain Night - All Upper Reserve seats $10

July 1 - Orioles Tote Bag - MLB Network - First 20,000 Fans 15 & over

July 2 - Junior Orioles Dugout Club Date - Pre-registered Dugout Club members