Hayton Throws First Pitch at Diamondbacks Game

PHOENIX --Barrett Hayton delivered the ceremonial first pitch at the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. St. Louis Cardinals game on Tuesday night at Chase Field.
Hayton's pitch to D-backs catcher John Ryan Murphy soared a bit high, just under the crossbar, if you will.

"Getting out there, you're kind of in no man's land and you hear the crowd," Hayton said afterward. "It's amazing."

Hayton, whom the Coyotes selected fifth overall last month at the 2018 NHL Draft, said he's never played organized baseball, but follows MLB casually. Fellow draft picks, including P.O. Joseph, Kevin Bahl and Liam Kirk, attended the game with Hayton and offered moral support before he threw his pitch from just in front of the pitcher's mound. The young players stayed and enjoyed the sights and sounds.

"I'm really looking forward to watching the game," Hayton said moments after his pitch. "It's a great atmosphere here so I'm really enjoying it."
Arizona ended up beating St. Louis, 4-2, to cap a fun night at the ballpark.

Before his pitch, Hayton served as a guest on FOX Sports Arizona's pre-game show and answered questions posed by reporter Jody Jackson. He then mingled on the field with some of the D-backs players, including third baseman Jake Lamb, a hockey fan who dropped a ceremonial puck at a Coyotes game last season. They chatted and posed for photos.