masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles today announced that they have reached an agreement with State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Manatees Baseball, to play an exhibition game at Ed Smith Stadium on Tuesday, April 3 at 1:05 p.m. There will be no admission charge to attend the game, with the exception of reserved tickets near the SCF dugout which will be sold by the college with proceeds supporting Manatees athletics. Tickets can be reserved through the SCF athletic department at 941-752-5261.

Formerly…The Orioles today announced that they have reached an agreement with State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Manatees Baseball, to play an exhibition game at Ed Smith Stadium on Tuesday, April 3 at 1:05 p.m. There will be no admission charge to attend the game, with the exception of reserved tickets near the SCF dugout which will be sold by the college with proceeds supporting Manatees athletics. Tickets can be reserved through the SCF athletic department at 941-752-5261.

Formerly known as Manatee Community College , the institution has enjoyed a rich athletic tradition throughout their 54 year history. The baseball program has produced over 185 professional baseball players and over 350 players have gone on to four year universities. Legendary coach Tim Hill Sr., only the second baseball coach in school history, is in his 32nd and last year as head coach of the team.

“The State College of Florida is extremely grateful to the Orioles for enabling us to continue our tradition of facing a major league team,” said State College of Florida Athletic Director Matthew Ennis. “The game means so much to our school and the surrounding community and our players are thrilled for the opportunity to play at Ed Smith Stadium.”

Current Orioles pitcher Jim Johnson is a student at State College of Florida, taking online classes to complete his Liberal Arts degree.

For the last 12 years the school played an annual exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the only junior college in the nation to play a major league team in spring training. The game against the Orioles will allow the State College of Florida to continue this tradition.