MLB Opening Day is upon us, and it is time to look back on how the Illini have made a dent in the game of baseball.
Many Illinois baseball players have gone on to play in the majors, but other Illini coaches and players from other sports have also put an imprint on the game.
I compiled some of the Illini first pitch videos. These are the videos I could find, but there have been numerous other Illinois players and coaches who have thrown out a first pitch in a baseball game.
Some of the players and coaches past and present that I couldn't find a video on but I know they threw out a first pitch include; Coleman Hawkins, Dick Butkus, Andre Curbelo, Tim Beckman, Josh Whitman, Josh Kreutz, Arrelious Benn, and Juice Williams. Those are just a few of the names that I know have thrown out the first pitch, but I just couldn't find the video. I am sure I am missing quite a few as well.
In honor of MLB Opening Day, here are Illinois players and coaches to throw out a first pitch
- Brad Underwood throwing that high change-up.
- Hometown hero Luke Goode heading back to Fort Wayne to throw out the first pitch in a Fort Wayne Tin Caps game. It seems to be a classic minor league theme night, as he was throwing to what looks to be a superhero of some kind.
- Illinois women's basketball head coach Shauna Green throwing a strike.
- Former Illini basketball player Ayo Dosunmu throwing out the first pitch for the Chicago White Sox. I don't know if I have ever seen a pitch thrown with less confidence. Even 50 Cent's horrific first pitch had more confidence behind it than Ayo's did.
- Terrence Shannon Jr. throwing out the first pitch for the Chicago White Sox. He is so used to the rim being 10 feet high, so that is how high he threw his first pitch. Not even Zach Edey could have hit that one.
- Keith Randolph Jr. bringing in the heat in the St. Louis Cardinals first pitch. The former two-sport star at Belleville West High School could have added baseball to his resume. Maybe the Cardinals should sign him, as well all know that pitching staff could use some help.
- Former Illinois basketball great Dee Brown throwing out the first pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Former Illini big man Giorgi Bezhanishvili throwing out the first pitch for an Illinois softball game. Let's just say, his dance moves and handshake are much better than his pitching abilities.
- Illinois coaches, past and present, and alum have some bars too.