Manny Pacquiao and Filipino Heritage Night a hit at AT&T Park (part three)

April 25, 1:27 AMSF Baseball ExaminerClaire Reclosado

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Boxer Manny Pacquiao and Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum at Filipino Heritage Night at
AT&T Park on April 21, 2009. (photo by Claire Reclosado)

SAN FRANCISCO---On April 21, Filipino Heritage Night at AT&T Park reached its peak with the ceremonial throwing out of the first pitch by boxer Manny Pacquiao.

The 5’6” fighter was met with deafening applause as he stepped out of the dugout onto the perfectly manicured field. Waiting for him at home plate was 2008 Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum.

Pacquiao took his place on the mound, wound up, and threw the ball toward home plate, reaching Lincecum without a bounce. During his entire stint on the field, a huge smile never escaped the face of the boxer.

Pac-Man posed for a quick picture with Lincecum then made his way toward the Giants’ dugout. As he made his exit, the fans again displayed an outpouring of appreciation for the Filipino hero.

Prior to the first pitch, the Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble performed along the third base line. Adorned in colorful traditional wear, the dance troupe treated fans to Filipino dances accompanied by a live Rondalla and Percussion group.

A special tribute to the Filipino World War II Veterans took place before the singing of the National Anthem. The struggle for equality for the “Veteranos” is one that the community is quite passionate about. As each year passes, these brave men still fight to gain the benefits that were promised to them by the American government.

$50,000 of the ticket sales proceeds from the night went to various Filipino non-profit organizations including the Filipino American Arts Exposition, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, and ABS-CBN Foundation's Bantay Bata program.

For more information, see:

• Manny Pacquiao and Filipino Heritage Night a hit at AT&T Park (part two)
• Manny Pacquiao and Filipino Heritage Night a hit at AT&T Park (part one)
• Matt Cain receives support on Filipino Heritage Night
• Pacquiao throws a strike, Cain 2-0, Hinshaw demoted & I threw a wild pitch - Theo Fightmaster, SF Giants Examiner
• Colin Seymour - SF Boxing Examiner