D-backs to honor the memory of the 19 firefighters who perished fighting Yarnell fire

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) will honor the memory of 19 firefighters from Prescott, Ariz. who perished fighting the Yarnell fire with a series of tributes this week and a memorial patch that will remain on the team's jersey throughout the season.

During the current series against the Mets, including tonight's game televised on FOX Sports Arizona, D-backs uniformed personnel will wear a black arm band on their right arm and a jersey bearing the No. 19 and the name "Yarnell" will hang in both teams' dugouts at Citi Field. Upon returning home, the team will wear black jerseys with "Arizona" across the front and white patch over the heart bearing the No. 19 during this weekend's series against the Rockies.

At Major League ballparks across the country tonight, there will be a moment of silence for the fallen heroes.

"Our hearts are aching for the fallen firefighters and the entire community turned upside down by this unfair act of weather and nature," said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. "It is devastatingly amazing how quickly our lives can change in a matter of moments. We understand our social responsibility and are fortunate to be in a position to assist those in need, as we have seen first-hand the impact we can have on our community."

Fans will be encouraged throughout the weekend and in this week's broadcasts to donate online at dbacks.com in support of the 100 Club of Arizona, American Red Cross and other charities that will assist the families and communities. Beginning tomorrow, fans can donate at dbacks.com, with each donation being matched by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation up to $100,000. Fans who donate $19 or more will be entered for a chance to win a team-signed home white jersey with the name "Yarnell" and No. 19.

In addition to a moment of silence at Friday's home game, proceeds from this weekend's 50/50 Raffle, supported by Western Refining, will benefit the families of the tragedy as will the proceeds from an online auction at dbacks.com featuring the jerseys worn by the players this weekend and signed nameplates from the D-backs clubhouse.

The online auction and raffle on dbacks.com will run through the remainder of the first half, concluding on July 14.

This weekend, which was originally scheduled to serve as the D-backs' Military Appreciation Weekend, will remain honoring our troops in addition to the fallen firefighters. Tickets for all military and first responders, including firefighters and police officers, are 50 percent off at the Chase Field Box Office.

Throughout the homestand, the "19" logo will be painted on the grass at Chase Field and will appear on a sign behind home plate so as to be seen by the viewing audience on FOX Sports Arizona.

Following this homestand, the D-backs will wear a memorial patch for the remainder of the season while plans for additional tributes are currently being finalized.