Orioles play ball with Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County stepped up to the plate with the Baltimore Orioles for a baseball clinic Tuesday morning.

More than 150 girls ran the bases, took turns hitting off of a tee and fielded pitches from players. The baseball clinic took place on the practice fields at Ed Smith Stadium. Girls rotated between activities and were coached by Orioles minor league players.
 
"They came to us with this idea," said Kay Mathers, director of community relations for Girls Inc. "Girls just don’t always get a chance to take a bat and swing it in a field like this."

The clinic also celebrates national Play Ball Month by encouraging baseball and softball activities throughout August.

“The Orioles are committed to encouraging widespread participation of all forms of baseball among youth in support of major league baseball’s new ‘Play Ball’ initiative,” said David Rovine, vice president of Orioles-Sarasota in a release. “By giving youth, and, in this case, young girls, opportunities to learn fundamental baseball skills, we are encouraging healthy, active lifestyles, confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship while helping to grow the national pastime.”