Helen Maroulis gets help from Cal Ripken Jr. on first pitch

It would be memorable for any D.C. area person to throw a pitch to Cal Ripken Jr. Helen Maroulis can say she did it twice, with a great story behind it.

Maroulis, a Maryland native who in Rio became the first U.S. women’s wrestling champion, visited the Aberdeen Ironbirds to throw a ceremonial first pitch Thursday as part of her tour of area pro sports teams.

Her catcher was none other than Ripken, the Ironbirds owner, who said he had never before caught a pitch from an Olympic gold medalist. (A little surprising given Michael Phelps is a noted Ripken fan)

Maroulis, who lifted Teddy Roosevelt at a Washington Nationals game but did not throw a first pitch last week, practiced with Ripken in the…