Baltimore Orioles Spotlight

Mission

The Baltimore Orioles work with the surrounding community to support several non-profit organizations and groups in need. The Orioles’ philanthropy work focuses on two things: empowering the youth of Baltimore and strengthening the surrounding community.

Programs and Campaigns

Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program

The Orioles partnered with Pepsi “Stronger Together” to create this program for kids 4-12 years old.

The program consists of a youth baseball/softball league that works to gain interest in the sport and to encourage kids to get involved in society.

The RBI program also works to boost kids’ self-esteem, as well as promote attendance and participation in a classroom setting.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the RBI program provided children with the necessary equipment and virtual coaching to continue to train at home.

“Bird on a STEM” lesson plans

The Bird on a STEM program works with the Maryland State Public Schools to create lesson plans in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
The program aims to assist teachers in grades 6-8 to create lesson plans in order to educate students in these important topics to better their future careers and provide opportunities.

Summer Slugger Program

The Summer Slugger Program aims to help kids prevent the “summer slug”, or the loss of critical math and literacy skills over the summer months.
The Orioles partner with EverFi to launch a baseball-themed online course for kids in 4^th and 5^th
This course provides lessons and games to get the kids engaged in their learning, as well as incentives and rewards for those participating.

#HaveACatch Campaign

The #HaveACatch campaign expands on the MLB’s PLAY BALL campaign which works to inspire everyone to play the sport and get outside.
This campaign focuses on promoting engagement and interest in the sport through the game of catch.

The campaign offers contests via social media where winners can earn opportunities with the Orioles organization, former players, and current stars.
Fans can send or share videos of them playing catch to earn rewards such as throwing out first pitch or the chance to attend batting practice with the team.

Homers for Hearts

The Homers for Hearts campaign is an annual charity home run derby with the Orioles and the Maryland Children’s Hospital.

At the event, participants can meet Jill and Chris Davis the ambassadors for the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital.

This event also hands out gifts to fans such as personalized Orioles jerseys, free food and drinks, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the team and organization.

Shannon’s Fund

$50,000 fund given in 2008 to the University of Maryland Medical Center to provide financial assistance to patients and their families.
The fund was created in honor of former Orioles’ Director of Community Outreach, Shannon Obaker, who passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer in 2007.
These funds go to helping with general expenses, from hospital parking, housing or treatment.