First Pitch: Kiel's goalkeeper Engelhardt in action in Major League Baseball
In baseball, it's tradition for honored guests to throw the first pitch. On Sunday, Kiel goalkeeper Marcel Engelhardt was granted the honor.
Pitching: Holstein goalkeeper Marcel Engelhardt. Picture alliance / Teresa Kroeger/RHR-FOTO
KSV Holstein Kiel is currently in the USA as part of its summer preparations for the second division season. The day before their friendly against Minnesota United of Major League Soccer, the northern Germans attended the Minnesota Twins' baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays (5-7).
Before the game really got underway, Holstein goalkeeper Marcel Engelhardt was given a special honor. The Bundesliga pro was allowed to throw out the first pitch, a traditional ritual in Major League Baseball.
Game form gained in training"It was a great honor for me to open the game. I was chosen because we had a game format in practice that I won with my team. Afterwards, I was chosen to throw out first pitch. It was a thrilling game with lots of action and many home runs, although unfortunately the Twins lost," said Engelhardt after the home team's 5-7 victory in front of 21,294 fans at Target Field.
According to Kiel, the 32-year-old goalkeeper "also cut a fine figure on the baseball field" when he threw the ball to Minnesota outfield coach Tommy Watkins, to the cheers of his teammates. The Twins gave the goalie a jersey bearing his name. "This jersey will have a place of honor with me," he said.
After being relegated from the Bundesliga, Holstein will start the new second division season on August 2nd away at SC Paderborn 07.
