Sports
Darren Daulton Helps Field of Dreams Open Season
The former Phillie threw out the first pitch on opening day for the league that gives children with disabilities a chance to play baseball.
The all-stars at the South Jersey Field of Dreams in Absecon got to meet a former Major League All-Star on Sunday, as Darren Daulton came to Opening Day.
Daulton got a kick out of the green surface used at the Field of Dreams, which reminded him of his playing days in Philadelphia.
"What a great facility," Daulton said after taking part in the Opening Day ceremonies and taking the time to sign autographs. "I told them as I stepped out onto the carpet it felt like I was at the Vet again."
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Daulton, a World Series champion with the Florida Marlins, appeared courtesy of the Deborah Heart and Lung Center through its partnership with the MLB Players Alumni Association.
"When we were asked to come here it made sense," Tom Campbell, director of marketing and public relations for Deborah Heart and Lung Center, said. "Darren, Deborah and Field of Dreams; it flowed together so here we are with Darren.”
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Daulton threw out a first-pitch to a player and also caught one. He also gave his time to sit and sign baseballs, photos and cards. He also posed for many pictures with his fans, young and old.
“It’s great to have him here,” Games Director Chuck Dhyne said. “People know him from when he was on the Phillies and an all-star. It’s exciting to have celebrities like him come here.”
“My role is to generate as much awareness for this organization, and this is a dream come true for someone that does publicity,” South Jersey Field of Dreams Director of Publicity Fran Northridge said. “He's a role model. And part of this is to be a stress-free situation for the parents, and he was on the (1993 National League champion Phillies) and it's entertainment for them."
Daulton was impressed with that he saw on Sunday.
"That's what Deborah and the Players Alumni Association is very good about doing," Daulton said. "They give opportunities to people to do some things they otherwise couldn't do."
He added: "When I was a kid growing up I felt the same way. I had dreams of playing in the Major Leagues, and you never know. I never overlook when a kid looks up and says, ‘I'm going to play in the Big Leagues someday.' I never overlook that. Baseball gives kids an opportunity to do something they normally wouldn't do."
