Free GCL Orioles Baseball, Special Events Hit Home Run with Sarasota Fans

Paws at the Park was just one of several free family-friendly events held at Ed Smith Stadium during the 2018 Gulf Coast League Orioles season. Fans brought their canines for a day at the ballpark.

Community events were presented in partnership with organizations like the Humane Society of Sarasota, which brought dogs for adoption to Paws at the Park.

Another highlight of the summer was Veterans Appreciation Day, complete with a parachute demonstration during the pre-game ceremony.

Veterans and active duty military enjoyed camaraderie and shared information about resources available to veterans. Presented in partnership with the Military Officers Association of America, Sarasota Chapter.

Wellness Week featured interactive classes encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Information, health screenings and more were available at Wellness Week, presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society, Arts for Health, Florida Department of Health - Sarasota County Health In Motion, HealthFit Powered by Sarasota Memorial, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's, and Suncoast Communities Blood Bank.

At the Back to School Kickoff, corn hole in the sunshine drew fierce competitors, with the Oriole Bird as umpire.

Young fans practiced their coloring technique in advance of the new school year.

At the Career Opportunity & Services Fair - presented in partnership with CareerSource Suncoast, Goodwill Manasota, and the Women's Resource Center -- more than 35 employers were on hand to discuss local job opportunities.

Career Fair attendees also talked with experts about job coaching and learned tips for resumes and interviews.

Out on the Main Field, the GCL Orioles played a rigorous schedule of 28 home games from June through August.

GCL players enjoyed competing on a Major League field for cheering fans.

There was no charge to attend the games.

Fans could choose their own seats, even right behind home plate.

The Orioles encouraged fans to bring non-perishable food items to support All Faiths Food Bank in fighting hunger in the community.

A "Spin for Charity" game garnered Orioles-themed prizes for fans and raised funds for Sarasota nonprofits.

The Gulf Coast League season and special events are part of Sarasota 365, a host of initiatives through which the Baltimore Orioles and OriolesREACH demonstrate the ballclub's year-round engagement with the Greater Sarasota community.