Padres hosting Tijuana Little Leaguers next week

PHILADELPHIA -- The Padres will hold Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Verizon on Sept. 20 at Petco Park.

The pregame ceremony will include a Hispanic-themed celebration, the Padres' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, honoring of the Comunidad Award winners and also the Tijuana Little League team that advanced to the Little League World Series last month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month -- which runs from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, celebrates the history, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The Padres have long been active in the Hispanic community, working year round with organizations to serve Hispanic youth on both sides of the border. The team also has a community outreach program in the Dominican Republic.

Some examples of Padres players involved include:

First baseman Yonder Alonso, who maintained contact and supported the Little League teams from Eastlake and Tijuana during the Little League playoffs and hosted visits to Petco Park (Sept. 7 for Eastlake and on Sept. 20 for Tijuana).

Catcher Nick Hundley and outfielder Will Venable have been involved with the Monarch School, which serves a high percentage of Hispanic students. Outfielder Carlos Quentin, a San Diego native, also has visited Barrio Logan College Institute.