Over the year's I have witnessed persons standing on the pitcher's mound and throwing the ceremonial first pitch to the catcher of the team. The pitch has left the guest thrower's hand with varying results. One only get's one pitch and you don't have an opportunity for a do over. If it's not your best pitch the audience, televised and in the stadium, witnesses your miscalculation. I've laughed on many occasions as a person has thrown a ball without the neccessary velocity and it fell short of the home plate only to roll on the grass to the catcher. I've seen some throw the ball over the catcher's head and into the crowd. I've seen some completely missed the plate by throwing so far off line you leave wondering what were they throwing at. In other words, they couldn't hit the side of a barn.
I will have the honor of throwing out the first pitch this Friday at the 7:00 p.m. game of the Orioles versus the Twins. I will represent the Baltimore Interfaith Community and the Union Baptist Church family.
I've learned to do anything well, you must practice. To prepare for this historic moment, I have been exercising in the gym daily. I've gone to the Druid Hill Park baseball field and measured off 90 feet from the home plate and practiced throwing the ball across the plate. While I practiced throwing at 90 feet, the actual major league distance is 60 feet 6 inches. I must admit it is not as easy as it appears. Especially knowing you only get one pitch and no oops is allowed.
Well, rest assured I will continue my practice tomorrow, Thursday, and be ready for the big day on Friday.
Batter up, strike three, your out!
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