The Baltimore Orioles season has been a disastrous one, but in September there’s reason to be optimistic.
The O’s will become the first American pro sports team to incorporate Braille lettering on their jerseys during their September 18 game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Players last names and the front “Orioles” will be spelled in Braille.
The jerseys pay homage to the 40th anniversary of the National Federation of the Blind moving their headquarters to Baltimore. The NFB is the largest and oldest organization run by the blind.
On Sept. 18, we'll recognize the 40th anniversary of @NFB_voice moving their headquarters to Baltimore and become the first American professional sports team to incorporate Braille lettering into our gameday uniforms when we host National Federation of the Blind Night at OPACY. pic.twitter.com/vU8ZDlXGOr
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 5, 2018
After the game, the jerseys will be autographed, authenticated, and auctioned off on the Orioles website, with all proceeds going to the NFB, according to the Baltimore Sun.
The first 15,000 fans will also receive a Braille alphabet card before the start of the game.
The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a co-branded NFB/Orioles Braille alphabet card, which will be distributed by volunteers from the NFB. #Birdland @NFB_voice
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 5, 2018
Headline image: @Orioles
