Monday night, I had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the beginning of the Rays vs. Brewers game.
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| Waiting my turn with my special ball. |
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| Raymond wanted a photo with us, of course. |
I was wondering if anyone would recognize me after my little TV debut. One of the staff members at the park recognized me in the security line and asked if I had been on the field at the All Star Game, so I guess that counts!
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| No one understood this sign, so my mom was able to explain to a bunch of people that I was throwing the first pitch; apparently they were all very excited for her! |
I was really nervous, but had a wonderful time. The Rays put together a really nice slideshow with clips of the All Star ceremony and photos from the trip; an announcer read my bio from the All Star Teachers website. It was just surreal to be honored in that way.
Then, I walked out onto the field, took a deep breath, and let it fly!
I was lucky; I had been worried about pulling a 50 Cent or Carly Rae, but my "pitch" went right over the plate and didn't fall short.
Matt took video...it's short and sweet and I want to watch it a million times!
Matt took video...it's short and sweet and I want to watch it a million times!
The professional photographer out there got frame-by-frame shots that I'll probably share on Instagram once I'm given my copies. Here's a really derpy preview:
It was daunting to be out there, but also really rewarding. It was the perfect cherry-on-top to this whirlwind of a sundae.
The game was a good one with some really exciting plays and some amazing pitching. The Rays won 2-1, and on our way out I heard a group of kids exclaiming, "Hey, I think that's the teacher! That's the teacher!"
It was daunting to be out there, but also really rewarding. It was the perfect cherry-on-top to this whirlwind of a sundae.
The game was a good one with some really exciting plays and some amazing pitching. The Rays won 2-1, and on our way out I heard a group of kids exclaiming, "Hey, I think that's the teacher! That's the teacher!"
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| Selfie with the fam. Dave (Matt's dad) and Nick (his fiancee's son) also came to watch! It was beyond rewarding to have them all there supporting me. |
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| The head cheerleader! |
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| Nick surprised me with a case for my new ball! Curt Casali caught my pitch and signed the ball for me, but his signature is hidden on the other side. |
I think this event ends my 15 minutes of fame; I will kindly shut up about being an All Star Teacher now...promise!
Oh, except for this...in case you missed it, the All Star Teachers were featured in the August 4 edition of People Magazine!
And now, I swear...I'm done!
Are you sick of me talking about this yet? Because I'm pretty sick of myself!
ABK
Oh, except for this...in case you missed it, the All Star Teachers were featured in the August 4 edition of People Magazine!
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| Page 10...there we are! |
Are you sick of me talking about this yet? Because I'm pretty sick of myself!
ABK
I am so not sick of this, what a super cool opportunity!! Glad you soaked it all up and also impressed that you got the ball over the plate. :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely had to practice...I'm not a natural thrower! lol
DeletePeople magazine?! That's awesome! I would be so nervous I would probably throw the ball about 2 feet in front of me LOL! fantastic post!
ReplyDeleteNow that I've been back at school a bit, teachers I haven't seen all summer keep telling me they saw me in the magazine and on TV...it's so weird!
DeleteSO COOL that they actually gave you the ball and that it says ceremonial first pitch ball on it!
ReplyDeleteI love that your mom made you a sign :) She can put Run Ali Run on the other side and recycle the poster board for your next race!
I love that the ball is special! I thought it was just going to be a normal ball!
DeleteI told her to recycle it but she said she'd just make a new one lol! She wants to make funny marathon signs like she's seen online! lol
I am so not sick of this! You are allowed to milk this for all it's worth! Also, I feel like one of my friends was featured in a popular magazine, so don't mind if I tell people I know someone famous!
ReplyDeletehaha, you're totally rubbing shoulders with the "famous"! And yes, I'm trying to milk it, but I feel like maybe the cow is running dry hehe.
DeleteI can't believe you were also in PEOPLE!!!!! That is sooooo cool Ali :)
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely surreal!
DeleteThis was such an amazing experience! Congrats on everything! You rock!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's been beyond insane!
DeleteWhat an exciting time you've had this summer!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!!
No need to stop talking about it...you deserve it and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity! Keep chatting away girl!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thank you!! I feel silly talking about it all but I guess as long as there's new stuff to mention, I'll keep it up!
DeleteI would never shut up about it if I were you! It is such an honor, and so cool that you are in People!!
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think people are going to get tired of hearing it haha!
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