The First Pitch

Are you baseball fan?  If so, have you ever wanted to throw out the first pitch?  There are two things I have always wished for when attending a baseball game.  The first is to have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch.  The second wish is to catch a foul ball.  Lets just say only one of these are left on my bucket list.

I have been fortunate to have thrown out the first pitch twice in my life.  The first opportunity came in Toledo, Ohio when I was asked to represent my community college and throw out the first pitch.  I was thrilled because the Toledo Mud Hens are the triple A team for my favorite MLB team, the Detroit Tigers.  After throwing out the first pitch I was even able to get the ball autographed by Brent Clevlen who caught my pitch.  Muddy, the mascot, even tracked me down for a picture. 

The second opportunity I have had to throw out the first pitch came today in El Paso, Texas.  I was honored to represent New Mexico State University by throwing out the first pitch at the El Paso Chihuahuas game. The Chihuahuas are the triple A affiliate to the San Diego Padres.  The Chihuahuas play at Southwest University Park, a stadium that has similar characteristics to Fifth-Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens. 

So, what is it like to throw out the first pitch?  The experience begins when you first learn that you will have the opportunity.   I would say in both cases I "worried" about whether or not I could throw the ball to the plate.  This might sound "normal" to those of you reading this, but for those who know me, they would be puzzled; after all I played college softball.  However, I was still worried. After all, playing college softball was a long time ago and since then I have torn my rotator cuff and throwing is a bit of a challenge.  So, naturally, you might think that I would practice. I would think that too.  But, I didn't practice.  Time and practical logistics didn't allow time for me to practice. 

So tonight as I'm walking out to the mound to throw the first pitch I begin to feel the nerves.  After a deep breath, I begin to just take in the moment.  While you might think "everyone" is watching you - in reality; very few people are watching you.  So, I stepped on the mound.  Looked to the person catching and I throw the ball.  Straight down the middle to the right and a little short.  Actually, I was pretty pleased given no practice and a bum shoulder. 

I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch.  I have always loved playing baseball and watching baseball - both minor and major league teams.  Because of this experience, whenever I attend a game in person I make sure I'm watching the person who is throwing out the first pitch.