Joining the San Bernardino Inland Empire 66ers to continue his rehabilitation assignment, Ramirez played at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore tonight.

Gates opened at 5 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. game, so fans could watch the suspended Los Angeles Dodgers slugging star take batting practice.

He took the time to sign a few autographs, and Temecula Mayor Marianne Edwards sang the national anthem.

Shawn Nelson from Jacob’s House, the game’s beneficiary, threw out the first pitch, and a silent auction of Storm, Padre and Ramirez memorabilia was being held with all proceeds benefiting the Temecula nonprofit community resource dedicated to serving families in crisis as they provide a shelter for physical, emotional and spiritual support.

A sell-out game, 8,000 attended to catch the San Bernardino team’s California League game against the Storm.

Mascot Thunder and obvious Dodger fans attended clad in hats with long dreadlock extensions hanging down in honor of Ramirez, who received a mandatory 50-game suspension May 7 for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

With temperatures registering at 106 degrees and a hot breeze offering no extra relief, some fans booed and others cheered when Ramirez knocked a 375-foot home run out of left field in his first at-bat against Rookie left-hand pitcher Nick Schmidt on his second pitch of the night.

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in his second at bat, and scored on a Scott Van Slyke double.

On field announcer Dave "Mac" McCrory said in an interview, "The fans came out to see Manny. He did what we all expected him to do by hitting a home run."

He played long enough to get four at-bats and should play left field tomorrow when the 66ers return home.

Storm team president Dave Oster said before the game in a press release, there was definitely some energy surrounding his appearance in Lake Elsinore.

"Being in a minor league ballpark is a unique setting to see a player the caliber of Manny Ramirez, especially him being up front and close," he added.

Because the California League was on its All-Star Game break Monday through Wednesday, the start of Ramirez’s stint with Inland Empire was delayed two days.

Instead, the Dodgers sent Ramirez to their Pacific Coast League affiliate in Albuquerque, N.M., where he played Tuesday and Wednesday, going hitless in three at bats with a walk.

Manager Joe Torre told reporters before Friday’s Dodger game that he was not concerned about statistics but was more interested in having him compete in some games. Under baseball’s rules, players may spend up to 10 days in the minor leagues before their suspensions ends to get back into shape.

Ramirez will return to play for the Dodgers Friday at San Diego.