Aug. 5, 2010
SEATTLE -- Recent UW grad Nick Taylor got a once-in-a-lifetime experience on Thursday when he was invited by the Seattle Mariners to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The 2010 Ben Hogan Award winner and two-time Pac-10 Golfer of the Year has grown accoustomed to playing in front of large galleries, but throwing a baseball in front of a Safeco Field crowd was a daunting concept. In order to alleviate some fears, Taylor spent the past couple of days home in Abbottsford, B.C., practicing in his backyard throwing with his brother. Taylor, who is slated to play in the Canadian Amateur Championship next week and the U.S. Amateur Championship at University Place's Chambers Bay later this month, arrived at Safeco Field with his family and some friends in tow. He was ushered to the field for his big moment and there waiting for him to receive his first pitch was Matt Tuiasopopo, brother of UW football stars Marques and Zach, Husky assistant volleyball coach Leslie and current softballer Ashley. With a familiar name there, Taylor unleashed a pitch and his moment was over. "I fired it a little over his head," said Taylor. "But I didn't throw it in the dirt and that's all that matters." |
