Sea Dogs Finalize Opening Day Ceremonies
Published on April 6, 2009 under Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs have finalized plans for Opening Day Ceremonies. Former Sea Dog John Nathans and the Sanford High School Marching Band highlight the 2009 Opening Day Ceremonies. The Sea Dogs open the 2009 season on Thursday, April 9th at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field against the Connecticut Defenders (Giants). The Sea Dogs enter their 16th season of play and seventh as the Class-AA Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
Former Sea Dog John Nathans will throw out the ceremonial first-pitch. Nathans was a member of Sea Dogs first Red Sox affiliated team in 2003 and spent parts of the 2003 and 2004 seasons in Portland. Nathans will be forever remembered in Sea Dogs history for his gutsy performance on July 1, 2003, a doubleheader at Harrisburg, when he volunteered to catch the second game with a dislocated shoulder after primary catcher Kelly Shoppach went down with an injury in the first game. Nathans was honored as the Sea Dogs 10th Player award winner in 2003. Tragically, Nathans' baseball career came to an abrupt end on August 4, 2007, when he was struck in the head with a baseball bat by former Red Sox second baseman Jose Offerman in an on-field incident. Nathans suffered permanent injuries as a result and has not been to a baseball game since the incident.
The Sanford High School Marching Band, who performed at the 2009 Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C., will perform the National Anthem. Presenting the colors for the game will be members of the United States Army.
Among the pre-game ceremonies will be a moment of silence for two long time Sea Dogs' employees who passed away during the off-season; Judy Bray and Harold "Top Dog" Lucas. Bray served as the Sea Dogs' Office Manager from 1994 to 2008. Lucas was a longtime fixture at the ballpark selling programs as fans entered the ballpark.
As fans enter the park they will be greeted by the Bellamy Jazz Band. Gates will open at 4:00 PM. Pre-game ceremonies will begin at approximately 5:50 PM, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM.
Schedule of Events:
5:50 PM- Team Introductions
5:55 PM- Honor Guard, Moment of Silence & National Anthem
6:08 PM- Team takes the field
6:09 PM- Ceremonial First-Pitch
6:10 PM- Game Time
Tickets for Opening Day and all other home games are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.
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