BOSTON (WHDH) — Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman and the man who helped save his life, Carlos Arredondo, threw out the first pitch at Fenway Park Tuesday night.
Bauman, who lost both his legs in the blast, threw out a ceremonial first pitch to catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia before the Red Sox game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Arredondo pushed Bauman out to the mound in a wheelchair and then threw a first pitch to Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.
Bauman spoke on WEEI Tuesday morning about what it was going to be like to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game.
“Yeah it’s going to be awesome,” said Bauman told WEEI. “I haven’t thrown a ball from the chair yet, so I’m going to do that this afternoon.”
Bauman must have practiced because he threw the first pitch with some heat — no bounce, hitting Saltalamacchia square in the glove.
Saltalamacchia congratulated Bauman for a job well done.
“You know, in my mind he’s a hero. That was just such a traumatic time. Thinking back on it right now, it just brings a lot of emotions, a lot of memories and just pride, that we were able to come together and see how strong he was,” said Saltalamacchia.
Before the first pitch, Pedro Martinez spoke to Bauman and Arredondo. The legendary Red Sox pitcher spent several minutes with Bauman, showing the two are both Boston Strong.
“I’m doing alright. I just take it one day at a time and just try to get stronger and look for the better things in life now,” said Bauman.
The Red Sox said it was the first time since the April 15 attacks that Bauman and Arredondo could be honored together.
Check out the video of Bauman and Arredondo's ceremonial first pitches:
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