NEW YORK -- Five-time World Series champion Andy Pettitte will toss a ceremonial first pitch as the Yankees open the 123rd season in franchise history on Thursday, hosting the Brewers at 3:05 p.m. ET.
Left-hander Carlos Rodón draws his second career Opening Day start (first with the Yankees), taking the ball opposite Milwaukee right-hander Freddy Peralta.
All Yankee Stadium gates will open to fans with valid tickets beginning at 1 p.m. ET. Pregame ceremonies will begin at approximately 2:30 p.m., with the introduction of both teams along the baselines. The Yankees said guests are strongly encouraged to arrive as early as possible to avoid lines, which will increase in length as game time approaches.
For the fourth consecutive home opener, a giant American flag will be unfurled by Yankees season-ticket holders prior to the national anthem, which will be performed by Tony-nominated actress Betsy Wolfe.
The presentation of colors will be performed by the U.S. Army West Point Cadet Honor Guard. During the seventh-inning stretch, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Francisco Aisporna from the West Point Band will sing ¡°God Bless America.¡±
The Yankees will honor a pair of U.S. Army veterans from Kew Gardens, N.Y.: Private First Class John Critelli (age 95), who served in the Korean War, and his older brother, Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli, who served in World War II and will be celebrating his 104th birthday on April 8.
In addition to the Opening Day festivities, the organization will hold a moment of silence in remembrance of Miller Gardner, son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, who passed away on March 21.
Prior to their games vs. Milwaukee on Saturday and Sunday, the Yankees will hold moments of silence for longtime employee and former visiting clubhouse manager Lou Cucuzza Sr. and legendary Brewers announcer Bob Uecker, respectively.
Gates for the final five games of the season-opening homestand against the Brewers and Diamondbacks will open 90 minutes before first pitch.