Even though the late Cory Lidle spent only a short time with the New York Yankees, he was a big part of Monday's opening day.

With his family watching from the field, the pitcher was honoured with a video tribute before his wife and six-year-old son threw out ceremonial first pitches.

Melanie Lidle, left, Christopher Lidle and Jason Giambi get set out to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Monday.
(Kathy Willens/Associated Press)

On an emotional afternoon, the Yankees also welcomed back longtime player and broadcaster Bobby Murcer, who is fighting cancer.

In addition, they held a moment of silence for former star Hank Bauer and baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn, both of whom died recently.

Lidle's parents and twin brother also stood near the Yankees dugout as public address announcer Bob Sheppard said, "Now pitching for the Yankees, No. 30, Cory Lidle."

The 34-year-old right-hander was killed in a plane crash last Oct. 11 in Manhattan after finishing the season with New York.

Lidle's locker empty

His locker at Yankee Stadium will remain unoccupied all season and the team is wearing black armbands on their jerseys in his memory.

"We all certainly appreciate the fact that they did that," said Lidle's brother, Kevin. "It means a lot to everybody.

"It signifies Cory Lidle and what he's done in baseball and, basically, everybody who has ever known him or whose life he has touched. They will remember him by that band."

Lidle's wife, Melanie, and son, Christopher, were greeted outside the clubhouse by Yankees slugger Jason Giambi, Lidle's friend and high school teammate.

Giambi escorted them toward the mound after pre-game introductions and they received a loud ovation from the sellout crowd.

Both made accurate tosses — Christopher with his left arm.

"I am very honoured to be here," a composed Melanie Lidle said as she walked into Yankee Stadium, wearing a No. 30 pin on her Yankees cap.

The entire tribute left Lidle's family, and at least a few fans, choked up.

"Getting down on the field and seeing that memorial that they had was kind of rough, kind of touching, a little bit of everything," Kevin Lidle said. "It made you happy, it made you sad.

"Got some tears out of me. But that's OK."

Lidle's family stayed for the game against Tampa Bay, won 9-5 by New York, and watched from a suite.

The Yankees acquired Lidle in late July as part of a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies.

He went 4-3 with a 5.16 earned-run average in 10 games, including nine starts, for New York.

"We didn't get to know Cory very well," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "He was a good teammate for everybody."

Emotional return for Murcer

Murcer, a fan favourite, was back at the ballpark and in good spirits.

He had surgery last Dec. 28 to remove a malignant brain tumour, and recently underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which caused him to lose his hair.

"I feel terrific," Murcer said, seated next to his wife, Kay.

"I really do. My strength is pretty much all the way back right now."

Murcer received hugs from Yogi Berra and Alex Rodriguez, among others, in the clubhouse before the game.

"It is hard to miss an opening day. I haven't missed one in I cannot tell you how long," Murcer said. "Opening day at Yankee Stadium, I just think it's one of the most special days that you can have in baseball."

Murcer popped into the YES Network broadcast booth for some air time and was shown on the big video board in the outfield.

He received a huge ovation from the crowd, which chanted "Bobby Murcer! Bobby Murcer!"

Yankees players tipped their caps from the top step of the dugout.

"It's so overwhelming, it really brings tears to your eyes," Murcer said. "If anybody can get well because of that, I'm well already.

"Who can miss opening day at Yankee Stadium? I certainly didn't want to miss this one."

Murcer is eager to resume broadcasting regularly as soon as possible.

He travels back and forth from his home in Oklahoma to Houston every month for cancer treatment.

"I'm ready to go," he said on the air. "I cannot tell you I know everything about baseball right now, but I can make it up like I always do.

"The thing you miss is the camaraderie. I was hoping to be able to get down to spring training, that just didn't work out.

"This is the next best thing. We just decided about three days ago to come up here."

And Murcer appreciates all the get-well wishes he has received.

"I actually got a lot of letters from Red Sox fans, so I knew we were doing good," he said.