Youth and Education Initiatives highlight nine-game homestand

The Orioles will highlight ongoing educational and athletic initiatives that support youth in Baltimore and throughout the region during a nine-game homestand beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the Toronto Blue Jays. The homestand will be headlined by the launch of new educational initiative - "Bird on a STEM" lesson plans - in partnership with Maryland Public Schools. The program, which was created by Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows, focuses on developing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills in the classroom.

"The STEM fields offer something for every student; we just need to spark their interest. The Baltimore Orioles are providing a unique opportunity that should grab everyone's attention," said State Superintendent of Schools LILLIAN LOWERY.  

Teachers of grades six through eight who wish to have their classes participate in this initiative can visit www.orioles.com/lessonplans to access more information. Classes that participate will have the chance to win prizes, including tickets to an Orioles game or a visit from an Orioles player to come teach a lesson.

The Orioles will also host nearly 20,000 Baltimore-area students at Oriole Park at Camden Yards throughout the homestand. On Wednesday, May 13, the Orioles will celebrate Baltimore City Schools Night with more than 7,000 students, teachers, and staff in attendance for the 7:05 p.m. game against the Blue Jays. "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "O Canada" will be performed by the Baltimore City College Choir and the color guard will be presented by the Frederick Douglass High School JROTC. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Teacher of the Year, RYAN KAISER, from the Mount Washington School. Additionally, the Orioles Wives will be donating a suite to the Baltimore City School Teacher of the Year nominees.

The pregame ceremony on May 13 will also recognize Digital Harbor High School, the winner of the Baltimore City High School Championship, held at Oriole Park on Saturday, May 9. Digital Harbor defeated Academy for College and Career Exploration in the game by a score of 16-7. Pre-game ceremonies included team introductions, while JERMAINE JOHNSON from Vanguard Collegiate Middle School performed the national anthem and the color guard was presented by Carver Vocational Technical High School ROTC. Director of Athletics for Baltimore City Schools, BOB WADE, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Additionally, on Thursday, May 21, approximately 11,000 students from local schools will attend the 12:35 p.m. game against the Seattle Mariners, for the eighth annual Field Trip Day presented by OriolesREACH, MASN, and WJZ-TV. The students will have an opportunity to learn about weather from WJZ-TV's weather team of CHELSEA INGRAM, BOB TURK, and TIM WILLIAMS, and Orioles Head Groundskeeper NICOLE McFADYEN. Ingram will also sing the national anthem.

IN THE COMMUNITY

CHEN TO VISIT BALTIMORE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY #335
On Wednesday, May 13, pitcher WEI-YIN CHEN will visit the Baltimore International Academy #335, from 11 a.m. to noon. The Baltimore International Academy #335 is a full language immersion school, which requires students to learn their core subjects through one of five languages. Chen will participate in a Q&A session with students in Mandarin. In addition, the Oriole Bird will make an appearance. The Orioles will also provide Chen t-shirts to the students. This event is not open to the public, but media interested in covering the event should RSVP to [email protected].

FORT MEADE YOUTH CLINIC
On Saturday, May 16, Orioles pitchers BRAD BRACH and DARREN O'DAY and former Orioles pitcher KEN DIXON will teach the fundamentals of baseball to 100 Fort Meade youth baseball players from 11:00 a.m. until noon. The Orioles will provide an Orioles cap, bag, and rope necklace to each participant. Additionally, the club donated tickets to all clinic participants for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at 7:05 p.m. Media who wish to attend must RSVP to the Fort Meade Public Affairs Office at (301) 677-5592/1465.

ADRIENNE HARDY TO THROW FIRST PITCH AT RBI SOFTBALL GAME
On Saturday, May 16, ADRIENNE HARDY, wife of Orioles shortstop J.J. HARDY, and former outfielder for the University of Arizona, will attend the PASS, Incorporated Opening Day at DeWees Recreation Center in Baltimore. PASS, Incorporated is one of the founding teams for the Baltimore RBI Softball League. Adrienne will throw the ceremonial first pitch for the 18 & under game at noon. Over the last three years, Adrienne has spent time working with many of these young women at the Orioles Softball Clinics.

MANNY MACHADO TO HOST BASEBOWL TOURNAMENT
Third baseman MANNY MACHADO will host the second annual Manny Machado BaseBOWL Tournament, a celebrity charity event to support Baltimore City's Department of Recreation and Parks on Monday, May 18. The sold-out event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mustang Alleys Bar, Bowling and Bistro, located at 1300 Bank Street in Baltimore.
 
In support of Machado's efforts, the Orioles will donate $10,000 to Baltimore City Recreation and Parks as well as host participating youth at an upcoming Orioles home game through the OriolesREACH Gameday Experience Program. Participants will receive game tickets, concessions, an Orioles t-shirt and cap, and transportation to and from the game. The initiative benefits youth, ages 9-12, by supplying baseball equipment, uniforms, transportation, and field refurbishment to play baseball during the summer at Baltimore City Recreation and Parks centers. Media interested in covering the event should RSVP to [email protected].

AT THE BALLPARK

PLAY SUN SMART DAY
For the 17th season, Major League Baseball and the American Academy of Dermatology will team together to educate players and fans about the importance of sun safety. On Tuesday, May 12, the Orioles will recognize Play Sun Smart, which has begun its season-long program to raise skin cancer awareness, while encouraging players and fans to practice sun-safe behavior and to schedule regular skin screenings. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Orioles fan TANYA LOCKLEAR, 33, from Glen Burnie, MD. She is married to CHRIS LOCKLEAR and has three children: C.J., Kayla and Christina. Several weeks ago Tanya was diagnosed with Stage 4 Invasive Melanoma. Tanya is being treated at Johns Hopkins for multiple tumors including several melanoma brain tumors. Her mission is to raise awareness about melanoma by sharing her story at TanyaFightsCancer.com.    

2015 HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST WINNER TO BE RECOGNIZED AT ORIOLE PARK
Major League Baseball announced the 30 winners of the 2015 Honorary Bat Girl Contest that recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and demonstrate a commitment to eradicating the disease. The winner of the Honorary Bat Girl Contest for the Orioles is SARA TRESSELT, who will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, May 15, prior to the Orioles game against the Angels at 7:05 p.m.

Tresselt will be honored during an on-field ceremony, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and will receive pink MLB merchandise and tickets to the game. A 37-year-old breast cancer fighter, she was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcenoma-Breast Cancer in October of 2011. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone 18 weeks of intense chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, six weeks of daily radiation treatments, breast reconstruction, and a year of Herceptin treatment. A year later, the cancer returned and she underwent three more months of chemotherapy. Throughout her battle, she continues to volunteer at the local homeless shelter and soup kitchen each week and also participated in a mission trip to Ecuador, bringing school supplies to an orphanage.

CHALLENGER LEAGUE CEREMONY
The Oriole Advocates Challenger Baseball and the Orioles have donated tickets to more than 900 participants in Challenger League baseball programs from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, on Saturday, May 16, when the Orioles host the Angels at 7:05 p.m. Challenger teams provide children with physical and developmental challenges the opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing baseball.

Each year, one member of the Challenger Baseball Community is awarded the John Salony Memorial Award for his or her efforts in supporting Challenger Baseball. Dr. Salony had a vision to provide recreational activities for children with special needs when few such activities existed, which led him to co-found Challenger Baseball in Maryland over 25 years ago. This year the Challenger League is pleased to have Dr. Salony's son, John present this award to SHIELA MALATESTA for her dedication and support to the Cecil County Challenger Little League. Oriole Advocates Challenger Baseball Chairman GEORGE BOLLOCK and President of the Oriole Advocates Charitable Foundation DON BLUM will be present for the ceremony.

In addition to ensuring that all youth have a chance to interact in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment, Shiela also obtains sponsors, holds fundraisers, and coordinates games with special buddies including police, firefighters, and Aberdeen Ironbirds employees.

The Oriole Advocates will also team up with the Challenger Baseball Program on Thursday, May 14, to hold a baseball-oriented event at the Baer School in Baltimore. The event will offer baseball activities and instruction to over 175 children with special needs. Additionally, there will be carnival-type activities for children to enjoy, gifts, and food, which will be provided by ESSKAY, Utz, and Chick-fil-A. The Oriole Bird and Chick-fil-A Cow will make appearances.

MLBPAA SILENT AUCTION
From Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will host a silent auction at Oriole Park near Gate E. The auction will start when gates open two hours prior to first pitch, and conclude at the end of the fifth inning. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the MLBPAA and the Orioles Charitable Foundation.

JACKIE ROBINSON JERSEY AUCTION PROCEEDS
The Orioles, along with all of Major League Baseball, honored JACKIE ROBINSON's legacy on April 15 by having all uniformed personnel wear No. 42. Each player's authentic, game-worn jersey was autographed and auctioned at www.orioles.com/auction to benefit the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Through the auction, the Orioles raised over $10,000 in proceeds.

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, May 17, military members from the Wounded Warrior Project will enjoy the game against the Angels at 1:35 p.m. from a catered suite, have a meet-and-greet with pitchers BRAD BRACH and TOMMY HUNTER, and receive a player T-shirt and cap.

STEAL SECOND BASE PRESENTED BY ESSKAY
The Orioles are again featuring the Steal Second Base contest for every Sunday home game this 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, May 17, is DREXLER CHINCHILLA, a 7-year-old from Cockeysville, MD.

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. Tonight, CHRIS HOILES, TIM NORDBROOK, and FRED VALENTINE are scheduled to greet fans and sign autographs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, May 21, AL BUMBRY, DAVE JOHNSON, CALVIN MADURO, and TOM SHOPAY will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

COCA-COLA GET THE BALL ROLLING CLINIC AT ORIOLE PARK
The Orioles have partnered with Coca-Cola to hold a Coca-Cola Get the Ball Rolling Clinic at Oriole Park on Wednesday, May 20, in an effort to educate area youth about health and nutrition. Approximately 150 middle-school students from Baltimore City Schools will participate in batting, pitching, and fielding drills with current and former Orioles, including pitcher BRIAN MATUSZ. In addition, a nutritionist will teach students how to live a balanced lifestyle.

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:
 
May 11   Susan G. Komen of Maryland
May 12   Animal Rescue, Inc.
May 13   Vehicles for Change
May 15   American Heart Association
May 16   Second Chance
May 17   The Oriole Advocates Charitable Foundation
May 19   Maryland Natural Resources Police
May 20   SPCA of Anne Arundel County
May 21   Icing Smiles, 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 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:

May 11 Hebbville Elementary School    
May 12   Mount Washington UEC After School Program    
May 13    Arlington Elementary/Middle School #249    
May 15   Waverly Community School     
May 16   True Worship Ministries    
May 17   Booker T. Washington Middle School    
May 19   Chadwick Elementary School    
May 20   Patterson Park Public Charter School    
May 21   Chase Elementary School     

GIVEAWAYS AND TICKET OFFERS

May 12 - Ollie's Bargain Night - Ollie's Bargain Outlet - All Upper Reserve seats $10
May 15 - Student Night - AT&T - $7 Tickets for Students with School ID
May 17 - Orioles Wristlet - PNC Bank - First 10,000 Females 15 & over - Junior Dugout Club Date        
May 19 - Ollie's Bargain Night - Ollie's Bargain Outlet - All Upper Reserve seats $10
May 21 - Field Trip Day - MASN and WJZ-TV - Pre-registered School Groups