Marlins to open second half of 2014 season with three-game homestand against the San Francisco Giants
The Miami Marlins will start the second half of the 2014 campaign on Friday, July 18, with a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, marking the shortest homestand of the season. The homestand will feature some special guests throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and singing the national anthem. On Saturday, David Voytek, the Marlins' representative as part of MLB's "Target Presents PEOPLE All-Star Teachers" campaign, will throw out the first pitch, while Julia Dale, local national anthem singing star, will sing the anthem. Then on Sunday, Laurent Lamothe, the Prime Minister of Haiti, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The homestand begins with Colombian Heritage Night presented by Avianca Airlines on Friday. Fans are encouraged to bring handheld instruments, through the 3rd Base Entrance, to cheer on the Marlins along with the Marlins Pachanga Band. Fans who purchase a special event ticket will receive a limited edition Marlins Colombian Heritage Cap, based on availability.
On Saturday, the Marlins will recognize their RBI leagues as over 250 league participants and their families will be in attendance to honor the young athletes. Following a pregame parade, trophies will be presented to Marlins RBI Juniors Wood Bat Champions, Marlins RBI Seniors Wood Bat Champions and Marlins RBI Softball Classic Champions. To cap off the festivities, the Marlins Foundation will be debuting its local Marlins RBI scholarship. One deserving baseball player and one deserving softball player will receive $2,500 each in scholarship money.
The Marlins will host their Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Drive on Sunday. Marlins pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria are encouraging Marlins fans to donate new and used baseball equipment to the Baseball Tomorrow Fund Youth Equipment Drive. All of the equipment collected will be distributed to kids who cannot afford to purchase their own baseball equipment throughout South Florida. Collection will take place outside Marlins Park. All fans who attend Sunday's game will also receive a Marlins 2014 All-Star Poster presented by Franklin Dodd Communications.