PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – His cardiac arrest witnessed by millions on television and his recovery one of the inspiring stories of the year, Bills safety Damar Hamlin is back home as he’s honored before the Pirates game against the Padres on Tuesday.
“Hometown, throwing out the first pitch,” Hamlin said. “It means everything to me.”
Hamlin grew up in McKees Rocks as not only a Pirates fan, but saying as a Pittsburgh fan. He does so as the team wears its City Connect alternate jerseys. He was presented one by reliever David Bednar (his hometown 23 miles from Hamlin’s) before the game.
“I feel like the biggest staple to our city is that ‘P’, that Pirates logo,” Hamlin said. “That is everything to us. I have it inked on me forever.”
Hamlin then showed his tattoo with the Pirates ‘P’ on his neck while wearing his Bucs jersey. It will be the first of at least two first pitches before an MLB game this year. Hamlin will also do it July 3 at Yankee Stadium before New York hosts the Orioles. It will kick off HOPE week with former Pirates first-round pick Gerrit Cole taking part in CPR training.
“Just to be home and to be able to throw out the first pitch, it’s like a kid’s dream,” Hamlin said. “I feel like a kid on Christmas here today.”
