First pitch from Burns' sister continues tradition

Abbey Burns (left) threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Billy Burns' (right) game on Friday night. (Trevor Hass)OAKLAND -- Abbey Burns confidently strolled to the mound in her USA shirt, delivered an accurate first pitch, twirled around, flashed a broad smile and hugged her younger brother, Billy.

If it looked like Abbey and Billy Burns had done this routine before, well, that's because they have. The tradition started when Billy played at Mercer University, and ever since then, at nearly every stop of his baseball career, Abbey has thrown out the first pitch.

Friday marked the first time she did so at a Major League stadium. Abbey, who has special needs and is five and a half years…