BY ANDRE C. FERNANDEZ
A1FERNANDEZ@MIAMIHERALD.COM
It was far from a typical ceremonial first pitch.
Instead, the Marlins had an unforgettable visit from “The Greatest of All Time” moments before their first game in their new home began.
The pregame festivities at Marlins Park on Wednesday had plenty of Miami flair.
But a surprise appearance by boxing icon Muhammad Ali topped them all and stunned the sold-out crowd of 36,601 in attendance during a Miami-themed pregame ceremony.
“We are dedicating this season to our fans,” Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said before game. “We’re grateful to them, and we appreciate them. That’s the right thing to do, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Ali emerged from the stadium’s center-field entrance shortly before 7p.m. in a cart alongside Loria, who held Ali’s hands as the cart moved in. Ali, 70, is battling Parkinson’s disease and could not physically throw out the first pitch because of the symptoms related to his condition.
The crowd gave Ali a standing ovation and chanted “Ali, Ali” as the cart made its way to the pitching mound to deliver the opening ball. As the cart made its way to the mound, Ali was able to lift his hand briefly and acknowledge the crowd’s praise.
When the cart reached its destination, a few of the Marlins greeted the sports legend and posed for pictures including Hanley Ramirez, to whom Ali gave the ball.
Ali wasn’t the only sports celebrity, as former Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa and former major-league slugger Frank Thomas also were on hand.
But Ali, who trained for years during his career at the legendary Fifth Street Gym in Miami Beach, gave the opening festivities in Little Havana even more of a Miami feel.
Ali’s appearance highlighted a series of festivities that included the debut of the Marlins’ home run sculpture in center field. The towering statue’s marlins, flamingos and birds moved for 30 seconds to the beat of music produced by Miami music icon Emilio Estefan, with brief fireworks accompanying.
“It’s a night of pride for Miami,” Estefan said. “As a city, you see we’re going to bring a lot of people.
“I’m very proud and honored they picked me for the opening.”
The distinct tropical feel continued during the pregame introductions as Marlins starters were escorted one at a time to the diamond by showgirls with colorful, feathery garb.
There also was a musical video montage with several Miami-based artists.
Singer Jose Feliciano sang the national anthem playing his guitar. This was followed by the traditional fly-over by fighter jets and more fireworks.
The ceremonies also had a touching moment as Sergeant Ivan Alberti, a U.S. soldier serving abroad, got the chance to deliver a live message to his family on the stadium’s Jumbotron scoreboard.
“The opening is a tribute to the United States and Miami — all Miami music,” Estefan said. “All local people, a lot of the history. I put a lot of the last eight months of my life for this — for 40 minutes.
“I worked in the Olympics and three Super Bowls. [Wednesday] is going to be a lot of pride for me, for my kids and my family.”
Read more here:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/04/2732484/muhammad-ali-helps-make-miami.html#storylink=cpy
