Booker Baseball To Play At Ed Smith Stadium

The Tornadoes varsity baseball team will take the field against Tampa Catholic at 4 p.m. today at in Sarasota for the third of seven home games at the Spring Training home of the Baltimore Orioles.

“The opportunity to play regular season games in a Major League facility is phenomenal for our players and their families,” said Chris Hutchinson, Booker High baseball coach. “The outstanding condition of the field and the amenities for fans are top quality, and we appreciate that the Baltimore Orioles are continuing Booker’s history of playing home games at Ed Smith Stadium.”

Booker High School has played its home games at the stadium since it opened. The team’s 2012 schedule is available online through the “Athletics” link at www. sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/bookerhigh/. Ticket and concession revenues benefit Booker baseball. There is no cost for parking.

“The Booker games are just one use of the stadium that will continue after Spring Training and throughout the year,” said Laura Williams, the Orioles’ Director of Florida Operations. “We also hosted a youth clinic this past Saturday for about 50 area youth. Five Booker High baseball players assisted Orioles minor league players and coaches with this event. 

“In addition, youth baseball tournaments and several community events are lining up to use various areas within the facilities at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex at Twin Lakes Park, including but not limited to the fields themselves. We are also exploring more opportunities with the Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau so that these world-class facilities continue to be economic engines and centers of activity for the community year-round.” 

Organizations interested in using facilities at either location may contact the Orioles by sending email to oriolesinsrq@orioles.com or by calling 941-893-6300.  More information on the Orioles’ year-round commitment to Sarasota can be found atwww.orioles.com/Sarasota.