Johnny Damon To Have His Number Retired At All Star Game In June

Wilmington, DE - The Blue Rocks are proud to announce that Johnny Damon, who played in Wilmington during the 1994 season before going on to an illustrious 18-year Major League career, will be at the 2014 California League/Carolina League All Star Game, presented by Bank of America, at Frawley Stadium on Tuesday, June 17. As part of the All Star festivities, Damon will become only the second modern Blue Rock and fifth person ever to have his number retired by the team.

During an on-field ceremony prior to the All Star Game, Damon will have his No. 18 displayed at Frawley Stadium, along with the numbers of Mike Sweeney, Robin Roberts, Matt Minker and Jackie Robinson, the other players who have been so-honored in Wilmington. He will also speak to the crowd prior to the game about his time with the Blue Rocks and his playing career in general.

"Anytime a team retires your number it is obviously a terrific honor," Damon said. "I understand the only other people to hold that distinction are two Hall of Famers [Roberts and Robinson], the team's founder [Minker] and Mike Sweeney, who is as good a man as you'll find in the game. I am incredibly grateful to join a group that includes those remarkable individuals."

Damon played 118 games for the Rocks in 1994. He batted .316 with a .399 on-base percentage, six homers and 75 RBIs. The outfielder also added 25 doubles and 13 triples that season, as he helped lead Wilmington to its first ever Mills Cup Championship. 

The Kansas native made his Major League debut a year later with the Royals, beginning a tenure that would include stops with the Royals, A's, Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, Rays and Indians. Damon is most famous for helping lead Boston to that franchise's first world championship in 86 years in 2004. He also played a pivotal role in the Yankees' 2009 World Series triumph. He finished his playing career with a .284 batting average, 235 homers and a .352 on-base percentage.

It has been two decades since Damon last played at Frawley Stadium, but the now retired 40-year-old still remembers his time in Delaware fondly.

"I am looking forward to coming back to Wilmington to be a part of the All Star festivities next month," Damon said. "I worked very hard to make the majors as a young player, and a big part of that journey was my time with the Blue Rocks. The chance to visit the fans at Frawley Stadium was something I couldn't pass up. It should be a lot of fun."

He is also looking forward to seeing some of the top prospects in baseball show off their talent. The 2014 California League/Carolina League All Star Game, presented by Bank of America, will feature a number of the best players in Minor League Baseball.

"The game of baseball has been a big part of my life, so it's always nice to get a chance to see the future of the game in person," Damon said. "This event will feature some of the top prospects in the sport and I am excited to see them perform on this stage."

For tickets to the 2014 California League/Carolina League All Star Game, presented by Bank of America, or for the Hitting Challenge on June 16, fans can call 302-888-BLUE or visit BlueRocks.com/AllStar.

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