On Friday, March 17, Orioles players and coaches will wear specially-designed green caps when the Orioles take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Fla. at 1:05 p.m. ET on St. Patrick's Day. Orioles players who do not make the trip will wear their team-issued green caps during the morning workout at Ed Smith Stadium. The game-worn and team-issued caps will be autographed, authenticated, and auctioned online at www.orioles.com/spring to benefit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
Orioles fans may bid online to support Selby Gardens in the Orioles' annual "Go Green" auction at www.orioles.com/spring beginning Friday, March 17, at 1:00 p.m. through Wednesday, March 22, at 10:00 p.m. The club will present all proceeds raised from the auction to Selby Gardens prior to the final home game of Spring Training on Thursday, March 30. In the past two years, the "Go Green" auction has raised approximately $17,000 for Selby Gardens.
Selby Gardens is a world-renowned botanical garden and leader in environmental research and education nestled in an urban setting on the shores of Sarasota Bay. More than 180,000 guests visit each year to relax, learn, explore and experience the plants, exhibits, and educational programs available 364 days a year. Selby Gardens specializes in epiphytes, or plants like orchids, bromeliads and ferns that grow upon other plants without harming them. Through educational outreach and horticultural displays, Selby Gardens promotes understanding of the natural world and stimulates advocacy for plant habitat conservation.
Additionally, Ed Smith Stadium is one of the most environmentally-friendly ballparks in the nation, using recycling, reclaimed water for toilets and irrigation, and solar panels and roofing materials that conserve energy. The Orioles are a partner in Sarasota County's "Green Business Partnership" program. Additional information on the Orioles' commitment to the environment at Ed Smith Stadium can be found at www.orioles.com/sarasota.