Ways To Prepare for Your Ceremonial First Pitch

Opening Day in Major League Baseball is not until late March, but if you happen to be chosen to throw the first pitch at a baseball game, whether it's at a Major League or Minor League Baseball game, I have some helpful tips to make sure your experience goes successfully smoothly. In the summer of 2023, I got a chance to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Northwest Arkansas Naturals game. It was an opportunity that I was excited and also looking forward to. So, the night of taking part of this wonderful experience, one of my coworkers tagged along with me, as well as others from a local non-profit organization, which they asked me to take part in this.

We arrived at Arvest Ballpark, which is the home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. If you aren't familiar with who they are, they're a Double-A team affiliate of Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals. They are based in Springdale, Arkansas and been playing at Arvest Ballpark since it first opened in 2008. This was my very first time going to this ballpark and stepping foot on a Major or Minor League ballpark. I got to see the players and the manager up close. Then, our group got together for a group photo. When I was introduced to throw the ceremonial first pitch before that evening's game, I was filled with excitement and never worried about throwing an awful pitch. I had one of my coworkers film this special moment on camera from both angles, which I'll provide in the links below. I threw that pitch and received a standing ovation. After that, we all took our seats to enjoy that night's game. I got to keep the ceremonial first pitch ball, which I still have to this day. The team might have lost that night, but I had a great time.

So how does one get selected to throw a first pitch? If you're part of a non-profit organization or if they happen to ask you to take part in it (as it was in my case) or someone important such as a celebrity, singer, musician, athlete, or even the President of the United States. If you fall into any of these, then you are the right person to be part of this exciting experience.

Now for the good part: tips on how to make sure your first pitch goes well without fail

Note: The preparations and instructions by the ballpark on how you'll prepare for the first pitch may vary.

• Wear whatever feels comfortable for you. As long as it's appropriate, anything goes. For instance, I wore a jersey, shorts, sneakers, and a ball cap.
• Be grateful of the opportunity, because you'll remember this for years to come.
• Throw the best pitch possible, because you only have once chance at it. Usually, it's caught by one of the players of the home team. There is good first pitches and there are not so good first pitches, mainly from musicians and athletes.
• Acknowledge the crowd as they give you a standing ovation. This is your moment and they're here to show you love.
• If you get to keep the Ceremonial First Pitch ball, do it. It's a memento that's worth preserving. Feel free to show it off to the world. Also, if you have pictures and videos that you would like to post on social media, do it.

Good luck to you!

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