Vanessa Walsh, a Federal Way mom of three who is a Stage 4 breast cancer survivor, was excited to be chosen as the Seattle Mariners 2017 Honorary Bat Girl. But she admits having doubts about one of the duties that comes with the honor — throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game.
“I’m nervous about my aim. I throw like a girl,” says Walsh.
But after some advice from Mariners CEO John Stanton, and broadcaster Rick Rizzs, when she stepped to the mound at Safeco Field before the Mariners took on the Oakland A’s on Monday, Walsh’s pitch was just a bit outside, but made its way into catcher Chase De Jong’s glove.