Ocean City announced that Ruben Amaro Jr. will join Philadelphia sports legends Bernie Parent and Vince Papale as grand marshals for the 70th annual Night in Venice boat parade on July 26.
Amaro has been part of the Phillies organization as a player (including the 1993 National League championship season), assistant general manager (including 2008 World Series), general manager and current television commentator.
The theme of this year’s event is “70 Years of Champions.” It’s a chance to celebrate this year’s Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and any other local sports champion from the past seven decades.
In two of the best seasons ever by an NHL goalie, Parent helped the Philadelphia Flyers win consecutive Stanley Cups in the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. Parent won the Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy both seasons. Parent is a 1984 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame and currently resides in Avalon.
Papale was a 30-year-old teacher, coach and part-time bartender in 1976 when he attended a public tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only did he make the team, but he became a fan favorite and earned the team’s “Man of the Year” honors in 1978 for his gritty play on special teams. His story is the subject of the film “Invincible.”
More information on how to participate in or watch Night in Venice is available at www.ocnj.us/NIV.
