Phillies Icon Named Grand Marshal Of 2023 Doo Dah Parade In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City has its grand marshal for the 2023 Doo Dah Parade - Philadelphia Phillies great Mickey Morandini.

"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 world with their run to the World Series in November," the Ocean City Community Services Department announced Thursday.

Morandini spent eight of his 11 years in the big leagues 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, and 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. This beloved parade began as a way to celebrate the end of income tax season and has grown into a highlight of Ocean City's spring events. The procession features marching bands, floats and a brigade of hundreds of basset hounds.

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 after the parade for an hour for autographs and photos at Ocean City Music Pier.