Throw the first pitch at a baseball game

“Throwing out the first pitch during a MLB game in front of many thousands of people during the official Pride Night is the sort of thing that generates some anxiety. Not having touched a ball since the softball in the face incident of 1994 combined with not being a sporty person in general adds fuel to that fire. [...] I knew I could throw 30 feet within a reasonable distance of the plate. That was sufficient to not embarrass myself. I stretched and used the linament he gave to me. He sent me encouraging texts right up to the moment. I swear to God, time flew triple fast on Friday. I kept distracting myself from the secret hope I would be extracted from the scenario by an unexpected thunderstorm or other non-fatal disaster.”

“When I received the email saying yes, I leapt in the air. I imagined myself striding onto the grassy field, climbing onto mound, firing a crisp strike, and making Dad proud. In the days leading up to the game, everyone had advice for me. Dad said, “Be sure to warm up.” My father-in-law said, “Take deep breaths.” My wife said, “Have fun, and remember to wave to the kids.” [...] I arrived at the stadium, snapped pictures in the press room, signed the paperwork, and followed a security guard to the field entrance. I wondered how many first pitch throwers he’d escorted onto the field in his career and how they’d fared. We arrived at a spot next to the first base dugout to wait. Bruce Springsteen’s Glory Days blared on the Jumbotron, and the air smelled of hotdogs and beer.”