Phils to honor Dawkins: safety to throw first pitch

In an effort to give tribute to one of the most beloved Philadelphia professional athletes of all time the Philadelphia Phillies have announced Brian Dawkins Night at Citizens Bank Park for Monday, April 20 at 7:05 pm.

The team will fly Dawkins first class from Denver to Philadelphia (or pay for a limo if he is already in the Delaware Valley) for the game. Dawkins plans to take batting practice with the team and participate in fielding drills. The team has offered the safety an opportunity to address the crowd; however, Dawkins remains undecided as he recognizes "this will be an emotional night."

"This is an organization that has supported me unconditionally during my entire 13-year career in Philadelphia," said Dawkins referring to the Phillies. "I'm almost positive that I'll address the crowd."

"We'll have Brian throw a ceremonial first pitch with a baseball and then with a football. Ruiz will wear an Eagles helmet during the ceremony," said Phillies ambassador Scott Palmer.

Every Phillies player will also wear a green number 20 on their right sleeve for the game. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins will all wear dark visors attached to their caps as a tribute.


Though Mike Schmidt's number 20 is already retired the team said it will retire the number again when the legendary third baseman makes an appearance to unveil a green number 20 on the outfield wall for Dawkins.

In addition to honoring the safety critics also claim the move aims to lure even more fans away from the large Eagles fan base, adding to the thousands who migrated during the Phillies World Series run in October.

"The Phils opening day game is sold out and so is the ring presentation game on Wednesday (April 8, 3:05 pm), but they're trying to bring more fans for the cold weather weekday games in April. Don't get me wrong it's a great thing they're doing," said Dan Kelly, mlb.com analyst.

All fans 65 and under will receive a Brian Dawkins bobble head doll featuring the Eagle in a Phillies uniform tackling an unidentified New York Met player.

Brian Dawkins Night will also coincide with Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Night where Joe Banner and Jeffrey Lurie will serve hot dogs for charity behind section 117 on the lower level firstbase line. Stop by for a visit.