Ryan Dempster, at the age of 23, will throw the opening pitch of the 2001 season, the Marlins 9th, today against the Philadelphia Phillies. A sold-out Pro Player Stadium will greet “The Original Marlin” Charles Johnson on his return home to the Marlins. This will be CJ’s 5th opening day in the Marlins’ starting line-up, tying him for the club record with Jeff Conine and Gary Sheffield. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05. Hall-of-famer Bob Gibson will toss the ceremonial first pitch. Omar Daal will start for the visiting Phillies. The Marlins are looking to extend a 6-game winning streak from last season. Furthermore, the Marlins are on a 4-year opening day winning streak and are 5-3 overall on opening days.
(Full Release)

OPENING DAY LINEUP ROTATION
Luis Castillo, 2B
Eric Owens, RF
Cliff Floyd, LF
Preston Wilson, CF
Mike Lowell, 3B
Charles Johnson, C
Derrek Lee, 1B
Alex Gonz