Monday, May 12, 2008

ceremonial first pitch

Last Saturday was a pretty special day for us. We were approached about a month ago to cater an event for the Young Alumni of BYU. They wanted to have a barbecue before the last home baseball game. We love BYU baseball (Jayson proposed to me at a game), so we gladly accepted. Then they offered something really special: they wanted a young alumni to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. They asked if Jayson would do it. What could we say...we'd be honored!

Jayson knows most of the athletic directors and coaches at BYU through J Dawgs, and throughout the week they offered him words of encouragement...or...errr...something like that. They told him that everyone lobs the ball to the plate, and they really wanted to see someone bring some heat! Jayson was a wee bit nervous, since he'd never played baseball. Could he really drive it home? Lets see how he did:


Here Jayson is before the pitch, getting some real words of encouragement from the coaches.

Jayson heads out to the plate...ready to go. The catcher follows...


Winding up...


Look at that face! He's really concentrating...


He made it. Sweet! The catcher brings Jayson the ball (he got to keep it).


And Jayson gets congratulated by Vance Law, head coach. (Jayson served his mission with Vance's sons, and has since become good friends with Vance. I think he's one of Jayson's favorite people, and I'll have to agree. Vance is probably one of the nicest people we know).


The national anthem...


We stayed for most of the game, until Mae passed the point of no return. Unfortunately the Cougars lost the game, but we had a great time relaxing at the ball park.

Joy, Kendra, Stella, Drew, and Shareka all came to support us. We were so grateful they were there! Aren't Drew and Mae Mae the cutest?


It really was a special day, and a memory we'll carry with us forever. It was an honor to have been asked to participate. How many times in your life will you be asked to throw out the first pitch? I'm guessing that might be it for us. Jayson did a great job. You can watch the video below.

7 comments:

Sharalea said...

wow wow WOW!
What a cool experience!!!
Thanks for the pics & the details, Jayson is the COOLEST!

austinamasandra said...

We are so happy for Jayson. Drew and Mae are the cutiest together!!!!
Tenho saudades (if only someone would either pick up the phone when I call or just calle me....ai, ai)

Ruth said...

So fun! Way to go Jayson.

darcie said...

Awesome pitch Jayson did! That is so cool! You take such great pictures! I wish that my kids would have had some uncles around when they were Mae's age, she and Drew look so cute together!

shannon said...

I had a JDawg yesterday....mmmmmmmm.
It was delicious!
Oh ya, and nice job Jayson. :)

Kris and Kally said...

How fun for Jayson! I must admit...I'm a little jealous!

jen said...

I'm sorry i missed all the fun! Thanks again for dinner the other night!