By Doc McElroy
The Orioles’ year-round baseball operations continue in Sarasota, Fla. with the Florida Complex League (FCL) Orioles, who begin play on Saturday, May 4, at Ed Smith Stadium. TheFCL O’s are scheduled to play 30 home games between May 4 and July 25, with potential playoffs from July 27-30. The FCL, which includes 15 teams, gives many international players their first professional experience in the United States, as well as recently drafted or signed players their first experience in professional baseball.
Home games begin at 12:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday, and at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. There is no cost to attend the games, which will be held on the Main Field. Fans may enter through the Left Field Gate 30 minutes before first pitch, unless otherwise noted. Free parking is available in the East Lot at the corner of 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Concession stands will be closed. Game times and locations are subject to change without notice due to weather and field conditions.
Baltimore’s farm system is currently rated as the top player development system in baseball, according to Baseball America, ESPN, and MLB Pipeline.
In the 14 years since the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training operations to Sarasota, nearly 1.4 million fans have enjoyed Orioles baseball at Ed Smith Stadium. In addition, the Orioles host a myriad of special events throughout the year – including youth sports tournaments, arts and entertainment programs, and charitable activations – helping to generate more than $686 million in economic impact in the state of Florida since 2015. Beyond economic impact, the Orioles have provided more than $3.9 million to local Sarasota organizations through cash donations and in-kind contributions. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made it a priority to combat food insecurity, empower local youth through baseball clinics and the annual Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge, and give back when the community needs them the most. The Orioles partner with All Faiths Food Bank to host food collections throughout the year and Ed Smith Stadium is used for their annual “ThankFULL” Turkey Distribution, providing local families in need with necessary food prior to the holidays. For details, visit Orioles.com/Sarasota.
COURTESY ORIOLES MEDIA RELATIONS