Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/108313
Sarasota News Leader February 8, 2013 Page 39 THE ORIOLES COME TO TOWN FOR MORE THAN SPRING TRAINING By Cooper Levey-Baker Associate Editor A Sarasota nonprofit that gives kids and adults with special needs the chance to play the American pastime is set to get a financial boost from the Baltimore Orioles and their All Star closer on Wednesday, Feb. 20. The Miracle League of Manasota came together five years ago with a plan to build a rubberized baseball field to allow those with special needs the chance to swing a bat, round the bases and shag fly balls. Working with Sarasota County, the League took over an underutilized softball field in Longwood Park, just south of University Parkway. Last March, the League hosted its first 10week season, with games held every Saturday morning. It drew a little more than 50 participants right off the bat, a number that jumped to more than 90 during the League's subsequent fall season. While the county has been a major partner, the League has also received big-league help from the two pro teams that spend their spring in the area: the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles, who together contributed $150,000 for the field. For the Orioles, the commitment is ongoing. The team, whose spring training session kicks off in Sarasota in just two weeks, will hold its third annual Birdland Golf Classic at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, Feb. 20. Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame pitcher Scott McGregor (far right), Orioles closer Jim Johnson (second from right) and other Birdland Golf Classic participants. Photo courtesy Jeff Lantz