Sports News Southwest

San Diego, California - Beginning Monday, May 19, the Padres return to home action, playing ten games in 11 days at PETCO Park. The Friars host the National League Central's St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds, followed by the NL East's Washington Nationals.

Monday's 7:05 p.m. San Diego-St. Louis homestand opener includes the club's annual salute to the Armed Forces. Two days after the nation's official Armed Forces Day, the Padres will honor 25 Pearl Harbor survivors. San Diegan John Finn will deliver a ceremonial first pitch. The Navy veteran received the Medal of Honor for his heroics during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.

Tuesday's activities include the Padres annual Teacher Appreciation Night. More than 5,500 area teachers will be on hand to watch a pre-game ceremony recognizing the 50 District Teachers of the Year. Game time Tuesday is 7:05 p.m.

Prior to the Padres-Cardinals series finale Wednesday at 7:05 p.m., the team will welcome 20 guests from San Diego's Make-A-Wish Foundation. Highlights for the guests will include going on the field for batting practice and meeting Padres players.

The Friars welcome the Reds for four games, beginning with Thursday's 7:05 p.m. matchup.

Friday's 7:05 Reds-Padres game initiates Action Sports Weekend, presented by SONY. All fans in attendance Friday receive a Padres Beanie Cap, compliments of SONY VAIO.

Saturday will be a high-flying affair, beginning at 6:15 p.m., when the Park at the Park serves home to a 40-foot half pipe prior to the 7:05 p.m. game.

With more than 20 X Games Medals to their credit, Vans Team Riders Bucky Lasek, Dennis McCoy and Neal Hendrix will perform at the Fifth Annual Action Sports Day, presented by SONY BRAVIA. In addition to Lasek and the other luminaries of action sports, San Diego native and skate phenomenon Alex Perelson will participate. Other headliners include renowned Brazilian skater Lincoln Ueda and BMXers Coco Zurita, Ben Snowden and Austin Coleman. The event will be hosted by X Games announcer Dave Duncan.

In addition to the demo, there will be prizes and giveaways from Vans and Camp Woodward.

Lasek, a Carlsbad resident, is the game's ceremonial first pitch honoree.

There will be more action from high above Park at the Park on Saturday. Following the game, the Padres will present the fourth of eight Family Fireworks shows.

Sunday's Padres-Reds game is a 1:05 p.m. tilt. Beginning at 11, fans will be allowed down on the field to take pictures with their favorite players during Padres Photo Day. Additionally, all youngsters 14 and younger will take home a Padres Photo Frame.

After an off day, the Washington Nationals come to town. The games on Tuesday, May 27, and Wednesday, May 28, are scheduled 7:05 p.m. starts.

Pre-game ceremonies Tuesday include a re-enactment of the military heroics of Colonel David Severance (USMC, retired) and his troops. Severance was a Marine Captain who oversaw the command that sent Marines up Mount Suribachi to raise the U.S. flag during World War II's Battle of Iwo Jima. The flag raising will be replicated on the field, beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Continuing the military theme during the week of Memorial Day, the Padres will welcome officials from the U.S.S. Midway Museum on Wednesday.

Additionally, the "Team of the Military" will host four military re-enlistments during the homestand.

The homestand concludes Thursday, May 29, with a 12:35 p.m. weekday matinee game. It is the second of seven 2-for-1 Days, presented by BULLFROG. Fans can purchase two tickets for the price of one in four select seating areas -- Field Reserved, Toyota Terrance Level Reserved, Upper Infield Reserved and Upper Reserved. They can also enjoy two-for-one hot dogs.

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