The Miami Marlins today announced that Hall of Fame quarterback and Miami Dolphin legend Dan Marino will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Marlins’ Opening Night game on Monday, March 31 (7:05 p.m.) at Marlins Park.

“We are honored to welcome back Dan Marino to the site where he began his hall-of-fame professional career,” said Marlins President, David Samson. “There is no better way to start a season at Marlins Park than with a pass from this South Florida sports icon.”

Marino enjoyed a 17-year NFL career, all with the Miami Dolphins, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. The 1983 NFL Rookie of the Year was named to the Pro Bowl on nine occasions. He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (1984), Offensive Player of the Year (‘84), Comeback Player of the Year (’94), AFC Player of the Year (‘84, ’94) and Walter Payton Man of the Year (‘98). Marino was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round of the 1979 First-Year Player Draft, but decided to play football at the University of Pittsburgh instead.

In addition to Marino throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, Opening Night festivities include KC, from KC and the Sunshine Band, singing the national anthem, a special celebrity Opening Night video and an in-game celebration honoring Henderson Alvarez’s no-hitter, the fifth in Club history. Following the game, all fans are encouraged to remain in their seats to enjoy a free fireworks show presented by Pepsi.

All fans attending Opening Night will receive a 2014 magnetic schedule courtesy of Miccosukee Resort and Gaming and a Jose’s Heroes ‘K’ card. Tickets to the season opener are available at Marlins Park North Ticket Office, online at www.marlins.com or by calling 1-877-MARLINS.