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Yankees opener first pitch tossed from ISS |
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Written by Derek Kessler on
Thursday, 17 April 2008
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 The New York Yankees opened last night against the Boston Red Sox. Historically, the ceremonial first pitch has been tossed by a variety of dignitaries and celebrities, including 1956 Yankees pitcher Don Larsen, US President George W. Bush, and now an astronaut in space. Orbiting in the International Space Station, US astronaut Garrett Reisman threw the opening pitch as the station passed over New York City and was broadcast down to the big screen into Yankee Stadium.
Reisman brought with him dirt from the Yankee Stadium pitcher’s mound, a Yankees banner, and a hat autographed by George Steinbrenner, the team’s principal owner. “I am really honored to have this opportunity in such a historic season in the House that Ruth Built, and I would like to thank the Yankees for being so supportive of our mission up here in space,” Reisman said in a statement. “From Earth’s orbit, but still deep inside the Yankees Universe, let me say, ‘Go Yanks!’”
According to NASA, the pitch was the fastest fastball ever, clocking in a 17,500 mph, or 5 miles a second. The Earth-bound record is held by MLB pitcher Nolan Ryan, in 1956 he was clocked at 100.9 mph. Reisman’s orbit in the ISS put him at 220 miles above the Earth.
The Yankees topped the Red Sox, 15-9.
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