O's team with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for 2015 "Go Green" Day, green cap auction

St. Patrick's Day won't be the only reason to deck out in green if you're visiting Ed Smith Stadium when the Orioles play the Twins on March 17.

The Orioles announced today that Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will be their partner for "Go Green" Day that day at the park in Sarasota, Fla.

Selby Gardens, a world-renowned botanical research center and leader in environmental education, will benefit from an online auction of specially designed green O's caps autographed by players. The caps will be worn during the St. Patrick's Day game, which is presented by Waste Pro.

"The Orioles are proud to partner with Selby Gardens, one of the Sarasota area's most treasured attractions and a world leader in environmental education, as we celebrate 'Go Green' Day at Ed Smith Stadium," said David Rovine, vice president of Orioles-Sarasota. "The stadium is a showcase for sustainable building practices, which we demonstrate year-round. This special focus during spring training, along with the auction benefiting a local environmental organization, highlights for our fans the importance of thinking 'green' in our everyday lives."

More than 130,000 guests visit Selby Gardens annually to relax, learn, explore and experience the plants and educational programs available 364 days a year. Selby Gardens is a 15-acre botanical and children's rainforest wonderland nestled in an urban setting on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Specializing in epiphytes, it is home to the world's largest living collection of epiphytes and other tropical plants. Through educational outreach and horticultural displays, Selby Gardens promotes understanding of the natural world and stimulates advocacy for plant habitat conservation.

Selby Gardens management is excited to be a part of the festivities.

"This dynamic partnership with the Orioles will benefit our international botanical research, conservation, horticulture displays and educational programs, while attracting new audiences to our breathtaking, bayfront oasis," said Jennifer O. Rominiecki, CEO and president of Selby Gardens.

Orioles fans and Selby Gardens supporters can bid online for the caps at www.orioles.com/spring from 1:05 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m.

"Go Green" Day is as good a time as any to celebrate the environmentally friendly practices at Ed Smith Stadium - which include recycling, reclaimed water for toilets and irrigation, solar panels and roofing materials that conserve energy and preferred parking for carpooling and fuel-efficient vehicles.

The Orioles also are a partner in Sarasota County's "Green Business Partnership" program. Additional information on the Orioles' commitment to the environment at Ed Smith Stadium can be found at www.orioles.com/sarasota.