San Jose Giants keep promise, Bryan Stow throws out first pitch
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow threw out the first pitch at the San Jose Giants home opener on Thursday evening. Four years ago, the Minor League team promised Stow's kids their dad could throw out the first pitch when he came out of a coma.
This honor is also proof of the remarkable progress Stow has made from a traumatic brain injury. He was brutally beaten by two opposing fans on opening day, outside Dodger Stadium in 2011.
Stow was a former EMT who once worked at Municipal Stadium where the San Jose Giants play. Now the fans watched the continuation of his miraculous journey.
RAW VIDEO: Bryan Stow throws first pitch at SJ Giants game
"This has been really big for me. Each pitch, practicing every single day is big and I'm making the most of it," said Stow.
He said his pitch was off a little, since he said he had to throw underhanded. Nonetheless, he said, "I would love to do it again." And he even joked, "When do they play again? Tomorrow? I can be here tomorrow!"
Surround by his kids, family, friends, and fellow Giants fans, Stow proved his infectious spirit was unbroken by injuries and legal battles.
He says his focus is on his recovery and his family. He said what keeps him going is "just wanting to live... my two kids."
In a video provided by our media partners, the Bay Area News Group, Stow said earlier this week, "I was invited by mail from the San Jose Giants to pitch at their home opener and that's what I'm going to do this coming Thursday."
While Stow's recovery hasn't been easy, he is making steady progress. These days, Stow can walk with the aid of a walker.
RAW VIDEO: Bryan Stow talks about throwing out first pitch
Starting pitcher Tyler Beede can't help but be inspired. He said, "To see a man with his spirit, his resiliency, and his strength to overcome such a tragic incident, it just kinds of puts things into perspective, for not only baseball players, but for people in general."
And as day turned into dusk, the seats were full of fans cheering Stow on.
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