Mickey Morandini during his playing days with the Phillies. (Photo courtesy of Ocean City)
Ocean City announced Thursday that former Philadelphia Phillies great Mickey Morandini will be the grand marshal of the Doo Dah Parade on April 15.
Morandini was the second baseman for an underdog Phillies team that reached the sixth game of the World Series in 1993 -- much like the gritty Phillies team that surprised the sports world with their run to the World Series in November.
He played 11 years in the big leagues -- eight with the Phillies.
In addition to the World Series, he has played for the U.S. in the Summer Olympics and for the National League in the All-Star Game. After retiring as a player, Morandini coached in both the minor and big leagues. He now serves as the Phillies Club Ambassador.
The 36th annual Doo Dah Parade will start at noon on Saturday, April 15, with Morandini leading the way. The Doo Dah Parade was born in Ocean City in 1986 as a zany event to celebrate the end of income-tax season.
Over the years, it has become a highlight of the spring calendar of events. The procession features marching bands, floats and a brigade of hundreds of basset hounds.
The route has always been the same. The parade begins at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue, proceeds to 12th and Asbury, turns east to the Boardwalk and concludes on the Boardwalk at Sixth Street.
It is the only city parade held in both the downtown and the Boardwalk districts.
Morandini will be available for autographs and pictures at the Ocean City Music Pier for an hour after the parade.
