The Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, Aug. 25. However, prior to the first pitch, they celebrated their 20th annual Goya Latino Family Celebration at Citizens Bank Park and honored Ruben Amaro Sr.'s, inducting him as  the 79th inductee into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame.

Amaro Sr. was a former Phillies player, coach and scout. Amaro Sr. played for the Phillies from 1960-65, winning a Gold Glove in 1964. He was also one of the coaches for the World Championship club in 1980. 

"It is exciting to induct Ruben Amaro Sr. as the 79th inductee into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame. Ruben meant so much to the game and this organization. He was a true pioneer of the Phillies. He went on to play for many years and coached along with Philly's first-ever world series championship of 1980. The Phillies and the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame congratulate the Amaro family," Phillies' announcer, said.

Amaro Sr.'s son, Phillies broadcaster and former General Manager and athlete Ruben Amaro Jr. accepted the award on his father's behalf.

"I have so much respect for my father and everything he has done in his baseball career," Amaro Jr., told AL DÍA.

In honor of the event, it featured a $6 discount on seats in select locations. Performances by the Celestino Sanchez Group, Jimmy George and the Latin Express at Pass and Stow pregame were also present. Philabundance, a hunger relief organization in the Delaware Valley with the Phillies Goya Family Service, was recognized for feeding families. Goya Foods also donated 10,000 pounds of food to Philabundance so their services may continue, and provided food samples for fans. To continue with the Spanish pattern of the event, Phillies Spanish Broadcaster Oscar Budejenn was also present to announce the Phillies lineups in Spanish.

"What we do is important to Goya because, for us, family is critical. It is what unites our community. We do not only give food to the Latino community but to all who need it. The best way to celebrate this event is to feed the people who need it most. We do this to let the Latino community know we are present and here for them," Rafael Toro, director of public relations for Goya, told AL DÍA. “Many love baseball and this sport is also for Latinos.”

Goya and the Phillies have had a relationship for over 20 years. Toro believes that Goya has been a part of Philadelphia and the city’s multicultural Latino community since the company started.

"I am so happy for Ruben Amaro Jr. and his entire family. This proves that Baseball is important to even Latinos. It is a beautiful sport," Toro added.

Despite being born in New York, he noted that he is very pleased with his relationship with the Phillies.