The Orioles are once again encouraging fans to go outside and #HaveACatch as the club returns the popular 'Have A Catch' campaign beginning today. Expanding upon Major League Baseball's PLAY BALL campaign, the Orioles will encourage children, and fans of all ages, to go outside and enjoy a game of catch throughout the week.
In support of the 'Have A Catch' campaign, the Orioles will host several events with local youth organizations including Baltimore City Public Schools and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore. At each event, children will have an opportunity to have a catch with special guests including Orioles players, Orioles Alumni, The Oriole Bird, Orioles ballboys and ballgirls, and/or Orioles staff from the Orioles On Deck Employee Volunteer Program, presented by Bank of America. Several of the Orioles minor league affiliates will also promote the 'Have A Catch' initiative locally in an effort to expand the program throughout Birdland. As part of the campaign, the Orioles will donate Major League baseballs, 'Have A Catch' foam baseballs, Orioles caps, and PLAY BALL eye black stickers to encourage children to play catch.
On Tuesday, June 12, Orioles pitcher MIKE WRIGHT, JR. and the Oriole Bird will visit Moravia Park Elementary School at noon to play catch with more than 100 students from Baltimore City Public Schools. On Thursday, June 14, former Orioles outfielder LARRY BIGBIE and the Oriole Bird will appear at Brooklyn O'Malley Boys & Girls Club to play catch with children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore. The events are not open to the public, but media are invited and encouraged to RSVP to [email protected].
The Orioles will wrap up the 'Have A Catch' campaign on Sunday, June 17, with Father's Day Catch on the Field, presented by Pennington Grass Seed. The sold-out charitable event offers fans an opportunity to enjoy a Father's Day catch in the Oriole Park outfield prior to Sunday's series finale against the Miami Marlins at 1:05 p.m. Last year, the program raised more than $20,000 for the Orioles Charitable Foundation. As always, children ages 4-14 are invited to run the bases like their favorite Orioles players after the game as part of Kids Run the Bases Every Sunday, presented by Weis Markets. Additionally, on Sunday, following the completion of the Orioles game and Kids Run the Bases, Oriole Park will host the Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game.
As part of the 'Have A Catch' campaign, fans will be randomly selected to win unique prizes and experiences by posting videos and photos of their own experiences playing catch using #HaveACatch on Twitter and Instagram. Prizes will include autographed memorabilia, an opportunity to watch batting practice on the field, and the chance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before an Orioles game.
Throughout the week, downloadable photos will be available via Photoshelter, courtesy of the Orioles (password: Media2018). Footage will also be available via Orioles Productions at https://baltimore.brickftp.com (username: Media2018; password: orioles2018).
Tuesday, June 12 -- 12:00 p.m. -- Baltimore City Public Schools -- Moravia Park Elementary School, 6001 Frankford Ave, Baltimore, MD 21206
Thursday, June 14 -- 3:30 p.m. -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore -- Brooklyn O'Malley Boys & Girls Club, 3560 3rd St, Baltimore, MD 21225
Sunday, June 17 -- Pregame -- Father's Day Catch on the Field -- Oriole Park
Sunday, June 17 -- Postgame -- Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game -- Oriole Park