As Giants fans count down the minutes ahead of Wednesday night's first pitch at AT&T Park, National League Baseball is releasing details about their World Series pre-game festivities.
The Fox Network has clearly taken over the show, with paid promotion taking top billing over local color. No more Tony Bennett and Beach Blanket Babylon - we will now see Fox stars and corporate donors.
It's still going to be fun.
Everyone will get the newest version of the rally towel of course, and the stadium staff has found a way to put up even more bunting, plus a new grass graphic that says "World Series."
American Idol winner Phillip Phillips will belt out the National Anthem.
The theme of the Wednesday night will be "Stand Up For Cancer," which could be emotional. Fans will get a special blue bracelet as they enter the park, courtesy of Mastercard. Mastercard will also present a $4 million check to the effort. During the game, there will be a special in-game tribute at the bottom of the fifth-inning when the entire ballpark will stand, holding placards with the names of loved ones affected by cancer.
Thursday evening's ceremony will feature the voices of Tom Brokaw and Glee star Matthew Morrison. The theme? Honoring our country's military veteran and their families.
The ceremony will specifically honor World War II-era baseball veterans who served the United States. They include:
- Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr
- Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda
- Hall of Fame Broadcaster Bob Wolff
- former All-Star and Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jerry Coleman
First pitch will be thrown by United States Marines Corp Nicholas Kimmel, who lost both legs and his left arm while on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Sports
After all of the pomp and circumstance, comes those two words all baseball fans love to hear -- "play ball."
