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Orioles fans are fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated military personnel throughout our region, and the Orioles organization appreciates all of those who risk their lives each day for our country. In that spirit, we are proud to support our military through a variety of initiatives and special events. VIEW BROCHURE »
Below is a list of initiatives and programs that were offered during the 2011 season. Please check back soon for the Orioles 2012 Military Programs.
The Orioles extend a $3 discount off of all tickets for military employees and their families, available for pick up at the Oriole Park Box Office. Or, for even bigger discounts, contact your ITT/Leisure Travel office.
All Active Duty Personnel who show their active duty ID badge to a representative in the Warehouse Fan Assistance Center at any home game will receive a complimentary military themed Orioles cap.
For every non-prime Sunday home game, members of the military are offered the chance to purchase Buy One, Get One Free tickets in select seating locations through their local ITT/Leisure Travel Office.
Every Sunday home game, the O's donate a catered private suite to wounded soldiers and other active military groups and their families. Guests are also treated to a special player meet and greet before the game, recognition after the playing of "God Bless America" and receive Orioles t-shirts and hats. Soldiers from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Fort Meade Warrior Transition Unit, Blue Star Families and 135th Maintenance Squadron, 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard have participated. Orioles players Matt Wieters, Jim Johnson, Luke Scott, Jake Arrieta and Zach Britton have each contributed to this effort.
The Orioles are proud to offer free "Welcome Home" messages on Oriole Park's MASNvision scoreboard for all active military personnel returning home from duty. To find out more, or to reserve a message for an upcoming game, call 888-848-BIRD.
Miller Lite hosted 1,000 military veterans and their families in August at Oriole Park for a game against the White Sox. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and Miller High Life partnered to hold activities throughout the country that gave their members an opportunity to experience premium events while connecting with other veterans in their communities.
Last September, the Orioles welcomed Hospital Corpsman First Class Ingrid Cortez to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Camden Yards. Cortez, stationed aboard the USS Bataan, was named the U.S. Fleet Forces Command's Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year. This appearance was part of Navy Week in Baltimore, a week-long event that allowed Birdland fans the chance to meet local sailors, enjoy the sounds of the Navy band, check out the Navy Divers or experience the SEAL Tour and Flight Simulator at the nearby Maryland State Fair.
On April 28, the Orioles, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and the Baltimore Police Department hosted a group of injured servicemen from the National Naval Medical Center. The wounded soldiers were escorted from the Naval Hospital to Oriole Park at Camden Yards by Local, State, and Federal Law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the Orioles invited the soldiers down onto the field during batting practice where they met with several players.
Throughout the homestand leading up to Memorial Day, the Orioles hosted various activities geared towards our nation's military. In conjunction with Major League Baseball's "Welcome Back Veterans" campaign, which has donated more than $10 million to the Welcome Back Veterans Foundation, the Orioles also hosted several local heroes at Camden Yards. On May 18, soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital attended batting practice and that day's game against the Yankees.
On June 7, Orioles hurlers Jake Arrieta and Zach Britton, along with several Orioles front office employees, assisted Under Armour in stuffing 300 backpacks for wounded servicemen and women as part of the company's Under Armour/Wounded Warrior Project Backpack Build.
On July 22, the Orioles hosted more than 5,000 military members and their families for their game against the Angels at Camden Yards through the Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix), a non-profit organization that provides event tickets for military, veterans and their families. These tickets help build morale for soldiers from all military branches that may be preparing to deploy, assist returning soldiers in their adjustment to civilian life and provide a fun day at the ballpark for the families of those deployed. The Orioles also gave away a camouflage floppy hat, presented by Miller Lite, to the first 25,000 fans 21 and over that day.
Also as part of the Orioles Military Appreciation Day, the team orchestrated a video series for deployed soldiers. Maryland based soldiers currently serving in Iraq recorded video messages for the Orioles that were played during the game. The Orioles invited family members of those soldiers to the game, allowing them to see their loved ones on the video board. In return, many of the Orioles players recorded their own video messages for the soldiers that were sent to them in Iraq, thanking them for their service.
2011 marks the 70th anniversary of America's entry into World War II, when millions of Americans stepped forward to defend our country, including hundreds of professional baseball players. At the urging of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, baseball continued to be played during wartime, helping to maintain a sense of normalcy and national unity. The American Women's League and the National Negro League both did their part to assure that America was able to enjoy its national pastime.
On August 14, 1945, the war ended and America led an unprecedented effort to rebuild the world. Every year on the anniversary of this historic date, we honor the World War II generation by celebrating National Spirit of '45 Day so that their example of sacrifice and service will inspire future generations. In a pre-game ceremony on August 14, the Orioles recognized Ben Gartner, a World War II veteran and Baltimore native who served in the Philippines. Ben celebrates his 90th Birthday on November 11, Veteran's Day.
To learn more about the wide range of savings and special opportunities the Orioles provide to Military Personnel, visit your ITT/Leisure Travel Office.
