Javy Lopez comes to Rome April 14th

In keeping with the tradition of historic opening night guests, the Rome Braves announce that Atlanta Braves legend Javy Lopez will throw out the ceremonial first pitch April 14th just before Rome opens the 2009 season. "We are honored to have Javy join us for our opening day festivities," says Rome General Manager Michael Dunn.

Lopez played in Atlanta, Baltimore, and Boston before his retirement last year. He was a member of the Braves World Series Championship team in 1995. In 1996, he captured MVP honors in the National League Championship Series becoming just the second catcher in history to win the award. He also made the National League All-Star team from 1997-98. Lopez had his best season in 2003, hitting a .328 batting average with 43 home runs and 109 RBI in 129 games, including a .378 on-base percentage and a .687 slugging average. In that season he broke Todd Hundley's record for most home runs hit in a season by a catcher (41) and was selected to the All-Star Game, winning the Silver Slugger Award and finishing fifth in the National League MVP ballot.

The home opener is April 14th at 7pm against the Savannah Sand Gnats at State Mutual Stadium.