For openers, Posada to throw out 1st pitch

For openers, Posada to throw out 1st pitch

Robert Sabo/New York Daily News

Jorge Posasa stands behind some of the hardware he helped win during his years in pinstripes during his retirement press conference on Jan. 24.

BALTIMORE - The Yankees will welcome an old friend to the Bronx Friday, as Jorge Posada will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Bombers ' home opener at Yankee Stadium.

Posada retired in January after spending his entire 16-year career in pinstripes.

The Yankees host Albert Pujols and the Angels in the opener at 1:05, with pregame festivities slated to start at 12:40.

Posada will be honored Thursday night with the "Pride of the Yankees Award" at the team's 2012 Homecoming Dinner. He will be the 11th former Yankees player to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before an opener, joining Mike Mussina, Bernie Williams, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Whitey Ford, Phil Rizzuto, Mel Stottlemyre, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Bob Shawkey.

Jeremy Jordan, one of the stars of the Broadway musical Newsies, will sing the national anthem, which will be followed by a Navy F-18 Super Hornet ceremonial flyover. A giant American flag will be unfurled by 75 West Point cadets, while the West Point Color Guard will present the colors.

During the seventh-inning stretch, Paul Nolan of the Br oadway hit Jesus Christ Superstar will perform "God Bless America."