SAN JOSE — With a simple toss from about 15 feet away, Bryan Stow brought a huge roar from the crowd Thursday night before the San Jose Giants home opener.
Stow, the Giants fan who was nearly beaten to death four years ago outside Dodger Stadium, reached a major milestone in his recovery when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. He did so while enjoying every minute of his special night.
“A lot was going through my brain,” Stow said. “I would love to do it again. When do they play again? Tomorrow? I can be here tomorrow.”
Stow, using a walker, took the field and was handed a ball that came via special delivery. A helicopter landed in center field, and a sheriff’s deputy emerged and delivered the ball to Stow, who acknowledged that it was “a little scary” making the walk out to the mound.
Stow waved to the crowd and then delivered an underhand toss to the plate. Several coaches and players greeted him, and he flashed more smiles, waves and thumbs up toward the crowd as he exited the field with his family.
Afterward, he flashed his sense of humor while being a bit critical of his pitch.
“It was off a little bit,” Stow said. “I’m working on it. It was a sidearm. I can’t throw (overhand) anymore.”
Stow said he plans to attend next Thursday’s San Francisco Giants game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with him flashing a scowl after mentioning that rival name.
“Hopefully we win it,” he said.
Beyond that, he said his goal is to continue to improve his walking and be around for his children, Tyler, 16, and Tabitha, 12, who were by his side as he threw the pitch.
Ryder Jones paced a 17-hit Giants attack by going 4 for 4, scoring twice and hitting a two-run homer.
online extras
View video and a photo gallery of Stow’s first pitch at mercurynews.com/giants.
