Fox Sports 1’s Katie Nolan was invited to throw out the first ceremonial pitch at a recent Trenton Thunder game, an honor she has never experienced before – hence the “Katie’s First Time” intro screen, you pervs.
Though the stage wasn’t the biggest in baseball (the Thunder are the Yankee’s Double-A affiliate), Nolan still felt the pressure that comes with venturing into new territory with a stadium full of eyes on you.
She might have been playing to the camera a little bit for drama and entertainment purposes, but Nolan showed some serious signs of distress before the taking the mound for her big moment – including sweating profusely and having a full conversation with a very uninterested dog. She attempted to get some advice from a couple of Thunder players, but they were rendered pretty much useless when it came to providing advice.
When it was showtime, though, Nolan actually didn’t do too bad. It wasn’t exactly a strike by any means (the ball bounced in front of the left batter’s box) but it also wasn’t the worst we’ve ever seen, and she only needed one try…looking at you, Bob-O. Also, extra points for sacking up and actually toeing the rubber instead of throwing it from the infield grass.
Just like a lot of people’s first times, it was a little bit painful but, in the end, also a rewarding and coming-of-age experience. Hey, and at least she didn’t cry after it was over like I did.
[YouTube]
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