Mayor Michael Nutter (09) welcomed the Phillies team and staff as they headed for the field for the opening ceremony.
National Guard members unfurled a gigantic flag in the outfield.
The Philadelphia Boys Chorus and Chorale performed, a color guard stood tall, and the Braves and Phillies lined up along the field.
A group of paratroopers parachuted the first ball into the park. The first guy missed the park and landed outside, which was a bit disturbing to watch. Happily, no harm, no foul.The stands too were a sea of red. The sell-out crowd of course ended up standing for the entire opening ceremony, which started at 7:15 and went until 8:00. Among the other highlights: Chris Ferguson, a NASA astronaut from Philadelphia, presented Charlie Manuel with the Phillies' jersey that Ferguson had taken with him into space during the World Series. Another fabulous touch: Pat Gillick, architect of the 2008 team and now winner of three World Series, threw out the first pitch.
