Hall of Fame inductee McGriff to throw out first pitch at Blue Jays’ home opener

2023 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Fred McGriff will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday’s home opener against the Detroit Tigers, the team announced Monday.

The Blue Jays will also present Alejandro Kirk with his 2022 Silver Slugger award, Vladimiri Guerrero Jr. with his Gold Glove and Jordan Romano with the Tip O’Neill Award as top Canadian player.

McGriff was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era committee in December and will go into Cooperstown this summer alongside another former Blue Jay, Scott Rolen.

The five-time all-star began his career in Toronto in 1986 and spent five seasons with the Blue Jays, totalling 540 hits, 125 home runs and 305 RBI while slashing .278/.389/.530. McGriff is choosing to enter the Hall of Fame with no logo on his plaque.

Tuesday’s home opener will also be the first game played with the Rogers Centre’s renovations completed.