Matthew Tkachuk of the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum had the honor of throwing simultaneous ceremonial first pitches on Sunday August 18, 2024, before the L.A. Dodgers topped the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2.
On Friday night, Jackie Joyner-Kersee brought a bit more luck with her to Busch Stadium when she tossed a ceremonial first pitch. The Cardinals prevailed 5-2 over the Dodgers.
JJK, US Track and Field icon and civic philanthropist, is internationally renowned and beloved in her hometown of East St. Louis and throughout the region.
Tkachuk spent several of his teen years here when his father, Keith Tkachuk played for the St. Louis Blues. He would meet and befriend Tatum while at Chaminade College Prep
There is an outstanding St. Louis area native who has not thrown a “ceremonial” first pitch at Busch Stadium, and his athletic accomplishments are often overlooked here.
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams returned from the injured list two weeks ago and quickly resumed his form as one of the game’s best closers.
After a four-month absence due to stress fractures in his back, Williams was asked to conquer the same mighty Dodgers that frustrated the Cardinals last weekend.
Williams retired the side in order in the ninth inning of respective games on August 14-15 in Milwaukee.
The first night he protected a 5-4 lead by mowing down All-Stars Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman on just seven pitches. Ohtani flew out to left, Betts struck out and Freeman grounded out to second.
“I don’t know if there’s a better 1-2-3 in the league,” Williams said following the game. “It was definitely a good test. I passed it today. I might have to do it again tomorrow.”
The following afternoon, with the Brewers leading 6-4 in the ninth, Williams retired Andy Pages on a pop fly and struck out Betts and Ohtani.
Williams was again called to save the day when he protected a 2-1 ninth inning lead against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday August 17.
Williams and the Brewers arrived in St. Louis Tuesday for a three-game series and his impact was immediate.
After loading the bases with one out in the ninth inning, Williams struck out Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Gorman to preserve a 3-2 win.
Following a stellar career at Hazelwood West, Williams signed with the Brewers after turning down a chance to play for the University of Missouri.
The first of his serious injuries occurred in 2017 when a torn ligament ended his season. He recovered and was named the 2019 NL rookie relief pitcher of the year. He was named relief pitcher of the year in 2020 and was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023.
Williams was an integral part of the Brewers’ bullpen which helped the team win the NL Central Division in 2021. During the postgame celebration, an exuberant Williams punched a wall and broke his hand. Ouch.
He will turn 30 on Sept. 21, right about the time the Brewers could clinch the division. I’m sure the young man will be more careful celebrating this year.
The Reid Roundup
Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher Tobias Myers has helped his team dominate the National League Central. He has posted a 6-5 record in 18 starts with an outstanding 2.81 ERA…Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene surrendered just one run in seven innings in a 4-1 victory over the Cardinals on August 13. His breakout season is now in jeopardy after elbow soreness sent him to the injured list. Greene, 25, is 9-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 24 starts this season and was a first-time All-Star…Former Cardinal Marcell Ozuna is overshadowed in the National League MVP race by Shohei Ohtani of the L.A. Dodgers, who had 39 home runs after Sunday’s win over St. Louis and could post MLB’s first 50 home run 50 stolen base season. However, Ozuna’s .309 batting average and 93 RBIs both led the league.