Throwing the First Pitch at Yankee Stadium
Ceremonial first pitches are among the most popular traditions in sports.
Once reserved for dignitaries and sitting presidents, the first pitch is now done every night before games and often used as opportunities to honor or highlight a certain event. Last week, I was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at New York’s Yankee Stadium as part of the "New York Times Bestselling Author First Pitch Series". As a longtime Yankees fan, it was a great opportunity to celebrate "Martha's Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying" and to attend a special game with my family! I had a wonderful time.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- Here I am approaching Yankee Stadium, located in the Bronx section of New York City – it was a perfect day for a ball game! The new Yankee Stadium was built in 2009, replacing the original from 1923. It seats just over 52-thousand fans, both sitting and standing.
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- While there, I also did an interview for Yankee Magazine. I talked about my love for the Yankees and games I’ve attended, especially at the old Yankee Stadium. I also talked about my business career, and of course my newest book, “Martha’s Flowers”.
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- After the interview, I conducted an exclusive “Meet the Author” book signing for “Martha’s Flowers” – it was one of the best-attended events for the author series. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- The line of guests extended down the hall through different suites in the Yankees special SAP Lounge.
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- I have always loved baseball – it was great signing books and talking to other fans who share a love for baseball, and gardening.
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- I was even asked to sign someone’s Yankee baseball cap!
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- And then it was time to head out to the field. It was very exciting – if you follow my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48, you know I practiced for this pitch several times in my office. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- I was so happy to have my family and friends with me at the stadium. I wanted to do the pitch for my grandchildren, Jude and Truman, in hopes that they would also fall in love with baseball. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- Here I am walking out to the field and to the baseball diamond, which is located in front of the 25 seated sections closest to the field extending from home plate down each baseline. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- Here is the back of my honorary baseball jersey, with the number 90 to celebrate my 90th book, “Martha’s Flowers”. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- Here I am taking some press photos before my big throw. Yankee Stadium is beautiful. It was designed by the architectural firm, Populous. The exterior was made from 11-thousand pieces of Indiana limestone, along with granite and pre-cast concrete. And inside is this gorgeous modern ball park.
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- Originally, ceremonial first pitches were thrown from wherever guest pitchers were sitting, but now it is thrown from the pitcher’s mound towards home plate. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- It was great to step in front of the mound. As a longtime Yankees fan, I even babysat for New York Legends Gil McDougald’s and Hall of Famer Yogi Berra’s children! (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- There was a lot of applause, but I was ready. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- The distance from the mound to home plate is exactly 60-feet 6-inches. Guest pitchers have the option of standing on or slightly in front of the mound. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- Here I am in position before my pitch. I start out by facing home plate with my feet facing the catcher. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- And here I am as I wind up and throw the ball – I take a big step back with my right foot. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- I lift my left leg, bending at the knee. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- And then throw to the catcher while making a step forward – it all happens very quickly. (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- It wasn’t the perfect pitch, but I had such a fun time! You can see the video on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48! (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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- After the pitch, Yankees catcher, Austin Romine, came over to say hi and to give me a ball. It was a great experience with my favorite baseball team. As for that night’s game versus the Baltimore Orioles – the Yankees won 6 to 3! (Photo by: New York Yankees)
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