It’s been four long years since Bryan Stow was attacked outside Dodger Stadium and the diehard Giants fan continues his incredible recovery. He was nearly beaten to death following the Giants-Dodgers Opening Day game on March 31, 2011, suffering severe brain injuries and was placed into a medically-induced coma.

It’s unclear how close Stow was to losing his life that evening and in the days following the attack and no one knew exactly what type of life would await him if and when he woke up from he coma. On Thursday, he delivered the ceremonial first pitch at the San Jose Giants’ home opener against the Bakersfield Blaze and continue to defy odds:

[Sporting News]