OriolesREACH to host sixth annual Birdland Golf Classic in Sarasota

On Monday, February 22, the Orioles will hold the Sixth Annual OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic at The Founders 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. Registration is now open for golfers and corporate partners.

The event begins with registration at 11:00 a.m., with a shotgun start set for 12:30 p.m. Lunch will be served on the course during play. The classic will feature a silent auction and the chance to play a round with current and former Orioles players and coaches. Following the event, The Founders Club will host a dinner for participating golfers, as well as Orioles players and coaches.  

"Since 2011, the Orioles have hosted the Classic in Sarasota to raise funds and awareness for the Miracle League of Manasota - an organization which makes it possible for those challenged by disability to enjoy the thrills and team spirit of our national pastime," said DAVID ROVINE, Vice President-Orioles Sarasota.

Several levels of participation are available for corporate partners, 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 2016 Orioles Spring Training game, and more. Since its inception, the Birdland Golf Classic has raised more than $150,000 for the Miracle League of Manasota.

For the 14,000 school-aged children and countless adults with disabilities in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the Miracle League of Manasota raised funds to build a synthetically-surfaced baseball field at a location that serves participants from both counties. Sarasota County committed $500,000 to building the field, with the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates each contributing $75,000. Located at Longwood Park north of University Parkway in Sarasota, the field opened in March 2012. Since then, more than 450 players have participated in the league's eight seasons.

"All of us involved in the Miracle League of Manasota are deeply grateful for our longstanding relationship with the Orioles," said LAURA TELLOR, the league's Executive Director. "The Birdland Golf Classic is so important in keeping the league thriving for children and adults who normally wouldn't get to engage in a team sport like baseball. The leadership and outreach the Orioles have demonstrated has been felt across our entire community."

For more information or to register for the golf event, visit www.miracleleaguemanasota.org or contact the Miracle League of Manasota at (941) 225-2966 or [email protected]. The entry deadline is Monday, February 8, and the event is limited to 100 golfers.