The Miami Marlins today announced Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, the current President of Miami Dade College (MDC), will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day – Thursday, March 28.

Dr. Padrón, who recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on March 22 at the Hispanic Leadership Awards luncheon, has held the position of President at Miami Dade College since 1995. Earlier this year, Dr. Padrón announced he is stepping down from his position. During his tenure, MDC has become the largest institution of higher education in America.

In 2018, Dr. Padrón was elected a Member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, one of America’s oldest and most prestigious organizations. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States of America. In 2015, he was inducted into the U.S. News & World Report STEM Hall of Fame. In 2012, he received the Citizen Service Award from Voices for National Service, the coveted TIAA-CREF Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence, and the Aspen Institute Ascend Fellowship. In 2011, The Washington Post named him one of the eight most influential college presidents in the U.S. In 2009, TIME magazine included him on the list of “The 10 Best College Presidents.” During his career, he has been selected to serve on posts of national prominence by five American presidents.

Opening Day details:

· Pregame festivities will begin in the West Plaza at 12 p.m.

· Opening Day ceremonies will begin at 3:30 p.m.

· The first 20,000 fans will receive a Car Flag presented by AutoNation and a Marlins 2019 Magnetic Schedule presented by Miccosukee

· Fans are invited to the inaugural postgame party at The 5th Base, a fan entertainment zone which was added to the West Plaza at Marlins Park last year                            

For more information or tickets for Opening Day, please visit Marlins.com/OpeningDay.

Fans encouraged to arrive early at Marlins Park on Opening Day – March 28

Fans can guarantee on-site parking and save $5 by pre-purchasing at Marlins.com/Parking

All entrances to open at 2 p.m.; festivities begin at 12 p.m. on the West Plaza