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General throws first pitch at Pirate's game

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dicie Hritz
  • 171st Public Affairs
August 7, 2010 --       Brig. Gen. Michael Callan, vice commander, 17th Air Force in Germany, Ramstein Air Base, had the opportunity to live out a lifetime dream; to throw the first pitch at a Pittsburgh Pirate's game. The dream came true at the Saturday, Aug. 7 game against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park.
    Before the pitch was thrown, a brief biography of Callan's impressive career was stated to the audience. The crowd roared with overwhelming appreciation for the honored guest who was in town with his two daughters, Amber and Brook who were also by his side on the field.
     When it was finally time to live up the dream, Callan threw a great pitch to 2nd baseman Neil Walker. Walker was impressed with the throw, he quoted the pitch as saying "it was one of the best he's seen!"
     With 14 additional family members, 'Team Callan was there to show their support by watching the first pitch being thrown by their beloved Pittsburgh native and Slippery Rock University graduate. 
     The Pirates played an impressive game pulling out the win against the Rockies in the 10th inning with Pedro Alvarez hitting a three-run home run walk-off for a final score of 8-7 against the Rockies.
    The evening ended with a victory, the fireworks sky blast and then a concert by George Thorogood after the game was over.
    With this memorable experience on-field, Callan was appreciative of being part of the event with his family cheering on the side lines, and Amber and Brooke by his side on the field.