Key to throw first pitch at Rogers Centre celebration

DETROIT -- Former Major Leaguer Jimmy Key will be on hand when the Blue Jays celebrate the 25th anniversary of SkyDome prior to Friday night's game vs. the Cardinals.

SkyDome, which has since been rebranded as Rogers Centre, became the world's first fully retractable stadium in 1989. The first big league game was played there on June 5 with Key on the mound and Ernie Whitt behind the plate.

To commemorate the occasion, the Blue Jays have decided to bring both of those players back to mark the quarter-century anniversary. Key will throw out the first pitch to Whitt, and former manager Cito Gaston will deliver the game's starting lineup.

The lead singer of Glass Tiger also will be on hand to perform the American and Canadian national anthems. Alan Frew was the first singer to perform live at the opening ceremonies for the stadium on June 3, 1989.

In addition to the pregame festivities, fans also will be able to relive some of the best moments in Rogers Centre's history. Fans will be encouraged to visit the 200 Level Outfield throughout the game to view a custom designed replica cake of the stadium. Celebrating alongside ACE will be SkyDome's original mascot DOMER.