When it comes to Haslem’s illustrious 20-year tenure with the Miami Heat, there is much to be thankful for.
The Miami Marlins will celebrate Udonis Haslem’s legendary career on “UD Night” at LoanDepot Park, just a few home runs from Miami Senior High School, where his basketball career got its start.
On September 7 at 6:40 p.m., before the Marlins take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, three-time NBA champion Haslem will be honored for his 20 years of dedication to the Heat.
By going to Marlins.com/UD, fans can reserve seats for UD Night. According to a press release, they can purchase a unique UD ticket package that includes a limited-edition “Haslem 40” Marlins T-shirt, with a portion of the ticket sales — $3.05, to be precise — going to The Udonis Haslem Foundation.
“Udonis Haslem embodies the South Florida community, and it is our honor to celebrate his many accomplishments on the court and in the surrounding neighborhoods of Miami with UD Night on September 7,” said Caroline O’Connor, Marlins president of business operations. We couldn’t think of a greater way to honor his dedication to the neighborhood than to donate a portion of the proceeds from each UD Night ticket to his recently established foundation.
The legend of the Heat has a long relationship with the group. He joined the Heat in 2003, and in 2006, he assisted the group in winning its first NBA championship. He reportedly declined more lucrative offers in favor of sticking with his local team when he re-signed with them in 2010 on a five-year agreement. In 2012 and 2013, he shared back-to-back championships with the Heat, playing with an all-star group that included LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade.
Just a few months after hanging up his sneakers, Haslem—the franchise’s all-time rebound leader—has been active. Along with his previous appearances at basketball camps and charitable endeavors, he recently revealed that he had invested in the Rebote Renegades of the World Jai-Alai League.
Haslem personifies Miami Heat culture and is a candidate for the NBA Hall of Fame. He has his sights set on being a future part-owner or front office administrator for the Miami Heat, and this probably won’t be the last time he earns accolades.