Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/127088
Sarasota News Leader May 3, 2013 Page 64 ORIOLES HONORED FOR BREAKING ATTENDANCE RECORD The Sarasota County Commission on April 24 recognized the Baltimore Orioles for a recording-breaking spring training season this year. Commissioner Joe Barbetta, whom Chairwoman Carolyn Mason said she was going to call the board's "Baltimore Orioles ambassador," read a proclamation that pointed out the team drew more than 120,000 fans to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota for 17 home games. The number is an Orioles record for spring training attendance and a record for the city, which has hosted spring training since 1924, Barbetta said. The commission also presented the team a framed photo of the stadium at night, taken by Sarasota resident Norman Schimmel, whom Barbetta called "a photographic artist." David Rovine, vice president for Orioles-Sarasota, told the board and audience, "It is in (From left) David Rovine, Bird, Trevor Markham and Judi Linnell of the Baltimore Orioles operation in Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel Commissioner Joe Barbetta (with microphone) reads a proclamation for the Baltimore Orioles as his fellow commissioners and Orioles staff listen on April 24. Photo courtesy Sarasota County