NewsScully to throw first pitch at home opener
Game will include former Dodgers stars, live music and moreBy Ken Gurnick / MLB.com
04/13/09 2:03 AM ET
PHOENIX -- Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully will throw out the ceremonial first pitch in Monday's Dodgers home opener against the Giants at Dodger Stadium.For their 52nd season opener since moving to Los Angeles, the Dodgers will feature an international theme celebrating the club's pioneering efforts to grow the game worldwide with flags of more than 30 countries with whom the club has relationships.
The national anthem will be sung by Charice, a 16-year-old Filipina who performed at the Presidential Inauguration events and on "Oprah."
N'Kenge, another Inauguration performer, will sing "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch.
The club also will celebrate the United States by unfurling a giant American flag across the outfield by more than 150 uniformed personnel from the joint services and a flyover by a B2 Spirit. The club also will honor decorated Army veteran Jesus De La Cruz of Menifee in Riverside County, who suffered severe wounds in Iraq.
Families arriving early can enjoy a Center Field Experience, with children entertained by balloon artists, stilt walkers, face painters, magicians and a live band.
At Autograph Alley, stars of the 1981 World Series, Bill Russell, Ron Cey, Steve Garvey and Steve Yeager will sign autographs.
Gates open at 10:40 a.m. PT, ceremonies begin at 12:35 p.m. and first pitch is 1:10 p.m. The Auto Club of Southern California will present magnet schedules at the stadium gates.
The Dodgers Dream Foundation will hold its first silent auction of the season on the club level behind the Vin Scully Press Box.
Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
