Power Rankings: Sharks First Pitches
by Ann Frazier, Casey Krygier / sjsharks.com
To be chosen for a first pitch at a baseball game is usually a nice honor; the person is being recognized in front of thousands of fans. But that comes as a double-edged sword: it also means that the person must show off their ball-throwing skills in front of thousands of fans, who will immediately judge them on that first pitch.
In honor of Owen Nolan and S.J. Sharkie's first pitches at the May 18 Oakland A's game, we decided to judge first pitches thrown by members of the San Jose Sharks.
6. Dany Heatley
This first pitch was so bad, we made a commercial about how bad it was.
5. Martin Jones
The camera angle didn't show exactly how the pitch went down, but based on the flashy glove and Logan Couture's reaction, we're pretty sure he bounced it.
Video: Sharks players throw out the first pitch at A's game
4. S.J. Sharkie
The attempt went a little (okay, a lot) high, but points to the big fish for attempting to deliver the first pitch via slapshot. (See Owen Nolan's video).
3. Brenden Dillon
Between almost bouncing it and the throw going wide enough that the A's player had to go into the batter's box, this was not a great throw. But it was good enough to be in the top three, which says something.
2. Justin Braun
While technically not on the mound (points off), Braun's throw made it all the way and only needed a bit of glove movement.
1. Owen Nolan
From the top of the mound, right down the middle. Mark Canha didn't even have to move his glove. This first pitch was easily the #1.