Actor Patrick Dempsey Honored By Portland Sea Dogs

PORTLAND, ME — Actor Patrick Dempsey was honored Wednesday by the Portland Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field, where the Maine native threw the first pitch in the team's game against Somerset, according to a report by WGME.

Dempsey, who grew up in Lewiston and catapulted to fame portraying Dr. Derek Shepherd on "Grey's Anatomy," is also a philanthropist who founded The Dempsey Center, a facility that provides support and services to families affected by cancer.

Dempsey founded the center in response to his mother's battle with cancer, the Sea Dogs said in a release.

Dempsey's appearance was part of the team's effort to recognize notable Mainers. The first 1,000 fans that entered the ballpark Wednesday received a bobblehead featuring Dempsey riding a bicycle in the Dempsey Challenge, the center's annual fundraiser.

Sea Dogs President and General Manager Geoff Iacuessa called Dempsey a "pillar of our community."

"The Maine community has been blessed by his generosity and philanthropy work," Iacuessa said in the release.