Marlins post premature tribute to ailing Ali on scoreboard

MIAMI (AP) The Miami Marlins displayed a photo of Muhammad Ali on their video board Friday night indicating the heavyweight champion had died, although there had been no announcement of his passing.

Marlins president David Samson said he had been informed Ali died. He declined to identify the source of the information.

''We were informed he passed away,'' Samson said. ''We wanted to honor him. I was informed and did what felt natural. I was not aware it had not been made public yet.''

Ali threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the first game at Marlins Park four years ago. At the time, team owner Jeffrey Loria called him ''the most famous person on the face of the earth.''

Ali was hospitalized Friday in the Phoenix area battling respiratory problems serious enough to draw family members to his bedside.

Moments after Miami's game against the Mets ended, a photo was displayed on the video board at Marlins Park showing a triumphant Ali standing over Sonny Liston at the end of their 1965 fight. Displayed in the corner were these dates: ''1942-2016.''

Spectators departing the ballpark applauded Ali in tribute.