HOME RUN
MIAMI - "It's a Home Run!" was heard more than once last Thursday evening amid the barking and yelling of the fans in the Florida Marlins' Pro Player Stadium as the Marlins took on the Houston Astros. The event on May 20, 2004 was certainly a home run with its fans, both canine and human. It was the night of the annual "Bark at the Park" event where 723 dogs took their owners to the Florida Marlins baseball game. Sporting Marlin's World Series Champs T-shirts, hats, and doggie bandanas, fans with two legs or four legs enjoyed the evening's excitement together. The Marlins team generously donated the $6 per dog ticket fee to the Humane Society of Greater-Miami and the Humane Society of Broward County to help the shelters find new homes for homeless cats and dogs.
The
special night's opening pitch was carried from the pitcher's mound to home plate
by Rusty, a 10-year-old therapy dog registered with Delta Society and his Pet
Partner. Rusty was rescued from the streets of Miami three years ago and now
visits area nursing homes and health care facilities.
Also scheduled that evening, was a visit from The Late Show with Davie
Letterman. The Late Show held tryouts for the "Stupid Pet Tricks"
segment of the show.
The
taste of victory was sweet for the Marlins, who won the game 6-2, and sweet for
their more than 13,000 fans, as well, since ticket holders for the night were
allowed to turn in their ticket stubs to a Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop within 24
hours for a a free dozen doughnuts, to celebrate the Marlins getting
twelve-or-more hits at a home game.
In the eyes and hearts of South Florida animal lovers, the Florida Marlins are
certainly a "home run" team in more ways than one.
(Pictures courtesy of Broward County Humane Society)