PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Phillies are giving a local Army veteran the chance to throw out the first pitch at Friday night’s series opener against the Red Sox.
It’s an opportunity he never saw coming.
First Sergeant Arthur “Sonny” Wimberly was initially told by Team Foster founder Nick Liermann that a camera crew would arrive at Wimberly’s Pennsauken house to do an interview about his service dog Juno. Team Foster provides service dogs to military vets.
But as Wimberly, 71, rolled outside in his wheelchair, the Vietnam veteran was surprised with a tribute from fellow vets on motorcycles, police and fire vehicles, and kids from Delair Elementary School.
“I Knew Nick was coming,” Wimberly said.
“I knew it had something in it because he was coming with a few people. He didn’t say hundreds!”
The parade of Warriors Watch motorcycles was followed by the arrival of Phillie Phanatic and former Phillies outfielder Milt Thompson.
Wimberly, an Army vet who served in Vietnam, was presented with personalized Phillies jerseys for himself and Juno.
Then, the biggest surprise.
“We would also like for you to throw out the first pitch, the ceremonial first pitch,” Thompson said. “You and Juno!”
Wimberly was stunned.
“No. No way. No way did I expect all of this,” he said.
“It’s hard to put into words how much I appreciate this. But I really, really do.”
Wimberly, who has played wheelchair baseball for the last nine years, said he’ll be practicing his delivery for Phillies Salute to Service Night.
“Let’s hope I can get it across the plate!” he said. “I just hope I don’t do it poorly. But I’ll work on it, trust in that!”
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