Injured Fan Bryan Stow To Throw Out First Pitch At San Jose Giants Home Opener
SAN JOSE (KCBS) - The home opener for the San Jose Giants will be a special one on Thursday night, as lifelong Giants fan Bryan Stow will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.
Stow was brutally attacked outside of Dodger Stadium in 2011 and was in a coma because of the injuries he suffered. The traumatic brain injuries as a result of the attack have forced him to undergo daily rehabilitation and numerous surgeries.
But in addition to his regular physical therapy, Stow has been practicing his pitching skills recently as the San Jose Giants, the Class-A affiliate for the San Francisco Giants, are keeping a promise the team made to Stow's children back in 2011, that when their dad woke up, he would return to Municipal Stadium and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
"I'm very excited about it. I'm a big Giants fan as you can see," Stow told The Bay Area News Group. "The San Jose Giants, their minor league team, I'm a big fan of theirs as well."
Although recovery from his injuries has been a slow and painful process for both Stow and his family, the former paramedic is doing better. He has regained memory and motor control, although he still relies on a walker to get around.
Bryan Stow to display his "dramatic" recovery tonight when he throws out ceremonial 1st pitch @SJGiants home opener pic.twitter.com/kPbe72iBjI
— Matt Bigler (@mattbiglerradio) April 16, 2015
#BryanStow to throw out first pitch at #SJGiants #OpeningNight this Thursday. Full details on http://t.co/gWX3lRpmKr! pic.twitter.com/wSbPd43Xit
— San Jose Giants (@SJGiants) April 14, 2015
The San Jose Giants said this will be Stow's first appearance at Municipal Stadium since he served as an EMT during games and events prior to 2011.
On Thursday, April 16, the #SJGiants will host one of the most memorable and historic pregame ceremonies in their...
Posted by San Jose Giants on Monday, April 13, 2015
Thursday night's ceremonial first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. before the San Jose Giants take the field against the Bakersfield Blaze.
Fans will also be able to contribute to the Bryan Stow Fund at the stadium's concessions and merchandise stands. The Giants said that by donating, fans will receive two complimentary tickets for a future San Jose Giants game.
For those who can't make it to Thursday night's game, you can contribute to the Bryan Stow Fund at any time. The fund was established through the San Francisco Police Credit Union, specifically serving members of the EMS community.
Mail your donation to:
SF Police Credit Union
c/o San Mateo Branch
1485 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94402
Checks should be made out to "The Bryan Stow Fund."