Robbie Parker, the father of Newtown shooting victim Emilie Parker, will throw out the first pitch before the Texas Rangers home opener April 5.
Robbie Parker grew up in North Texas and took Emilie Parker to several Rangers games. The 6-year-old died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Dec. 14, 2012, in Newtown, Conn.
Robbie Parker will be accompanied by his wife and two daughters to the first-pitch ceremony.
Several groups – including The Newberg Report, Lone Star Ball and Baseball Time in Arlington – have helped raise money for Emilie’s Fund, which assists families impacted by the tragedy.
The Rangers play the Angels at 1:05 p.m. on April 5. The game is a sellout and will be telecast on FOX Sports Southwest.
In addition to the Texas efforts, Major League Baseball will honor the victims during opening games of the season. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and on-field personnel will wear a symbolic ribbon patch. There will also be a pre-game moment of silence during the March 3-April 2 openers.
