Thank you, Tommy: Marlins to honor legendary broadcaster on August 23

[Kevin Barral]

MIAMI, FL — The Miami Marlins announced on Wednesday that August 23 will be "Thank You Tommy Day" at loanDepot park. Prior to that afternoon game against the Washington Nationals, there will be a special pregame ceremony for broadcaster Tommy Hutton.

"The day will recognize his extraordinary contributions to the organization and the South Florida community as he wraps up his final season in the booth," the Marlins said in their press release.

The "Thank You Tommy" celebration will begin with an on-field pre-game recognition featuring a tribute video highlighting some of Hutton's most memorable moments and signature calls. He will then be joined by his family on the field, and his three granddaughters will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to him. Additional festivities and tributes will take place throughout the game.

Hutton started his tenure with the Marlins organization in 1997, when the organization won its first World Series. Since then, Hutton has been with the organization for parts of 28 seasons, 23 of which were on television. He has been partnered with a handful of Marlins play-by-play announcers, beginning with Joe Angel and currently Kyle Sielaff. He developed particularly good chemistry with Rich Waltz when they were partnered together from 2005-2015. Unfortunately, they didn't cover any postseason-caliber teams during that period. Hutton was fired by the Marlins after the 2015 season, but brought back in June 2018 and has worked in a part-time capacity ever since.

Apart from the Fish, Hutton had previous stints with the Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays and appeared on national telecasts for ESPN, ABC and NBC. The former first baseman/outfielder played 12 major league seasons from 1966-1981. Overall, he has spent more than six decades in professional baseball.

Hutton announced during spring training that this would be his final season, saying that "calling Marlins games and being part of this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life."

Hutton has exclusively worked home games on Marlins.TV this season. The team's other TV analysts are Jeff Nelson and Gaby Sanchez.

First pitch on August 23 is scheduled for 1:40 pm. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early for the pregame ceremony and help celebrate one of the most influential figures in Marlins history.

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