Pitt Panthers running back James Conner showcased his baseball skills today when he threw out the first pitch at PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. Conner, who is currently battling cancer, had pictures and video of his experience posted to Twitter.
.@JamesConner_ gets ready to throw first pitch! #BurghProud #ConnerStrong pic.twitter.com/sI0nrsJ8HB
— Pirates (@Pirates) April 3, 2016
Pitt RB James Conner, amid his battle with cancer, throws out 1st pitch at Pirates' Opening Day at PNC Park. pic.twitter.com/HingFmGxnC
— Travis Haney (@travhaney) April 3, 2016
.@JamesConner_ and @TheCUTCH22 share a moment in pregame. @Pirates @MLB #OpeningDay #H2P pic.twitter.com/oKBPqVaIDy
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) April 3, 2016
It’s been a rough few months for Conner, so it’s great that the Pirates gave him the opportunity to do this. On top of being limited to one game in 2015 due to a knee injury suffered in the season opener, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the end of the football season.
Considering how he broke out in 2014 with 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns, one can understand the disappointment and frustration on his end.
But the fact that Conner was feeling well enough to take the mound and throw out the first pitch in front of a stadium full of rabid fans has to be a good sign, so stay tuned to Campus Sports for further updates on Conner’s recovery!
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
