On April 26th, a nice and sunny afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles had a game against the Oakland Athletics, except it’s not just any ordinary game, one of our very own students, William Ashbaugh, threw the ceremonial first pitch and announced the third and fourth innings.
Ashbaugh was ecstatic when he found out last year he had been chosen to throw the first pitch at an O’s game, a process that took him over a year’s worth of work after his teacher Ms. Milani sent a video to player Danny Coulombe, a pitcher on the team who has a son with autism. Ashbaugh first came upon this idea during MRTV video production class. In this class Ashbaugh was the weekly sports reporter who reported on school and local sports news, interviewing students on their school records and overall performance.
“The video was about Will’s love for sports, especially baseball, and the impact he’s had on Marriotts Ridge. He’s such an amazing sports commentator and truly has a natural talent for this kind of thing,” explained senior Meghan Larsen.
Many of Ashbaugh’s classmates were rooting for him throughout the process and went out to the game to support and cheer him on.
“Will is our manager and is always out to support us, whether it be at our games, or on the bus rides…he’s always helping us out so we thought it would be good to return the favor and show up to his Orioles game,” discussed senior and baseball captain Zach Vernick.
In preparation for his big day, Ashbaugh knew he would have practice for his perfect pitch. In addition to being a sports reporter for MRTV, Ashbaugh is also the manager for the MRHS Varsity Baseball team, where he uses his baseball knowledge to help guide and aid the team in as many ways as possible.
“It’s pretty exciting actually, and I’ve never been on the mound at Camden Yards…I’m genuinely excited” exclaimed Ashabugh, who additionally commented how, “[He’s] been constantly throwing on the mound a couple times a week when it’s nice outside.”
Many MRHS students, as well as parents, friends and teammates, came out to support Ashbaugh and his endeavors at the Orioles’ game. In addition to that, many of his clubmates and advisors in We Are Ridge were thrilled to hear that he had been picked.
“I’m going to support Will and watch him throw out the first pitch…I’m very excited for him and think it’s a great opportunity. I’m so happy he’s able to do it,” stated senior and We Are Ridge member Rachel Harper.
The game was tight, with the Orioles taking a 2-1 lead late on, but unfortunately losing in extra innings. Many of those who came out to watch Ashbaugh commented on what it was like to see him throwing the first pitch.
“The game was amazing and I loved seeing everyone from MRHS cheering Will on! His first pitch was incredible and really got the crowd cheering loud for him. He also seemed so comfortable talking on the station with the reporters and even gave our softball team a shout out…I was so happy to be there!” exclaimed junior Olivia Ober.
While the Orioles may not have won, Ashbaugh still had an amazing night.
“I went with the flow, I just did that…it was crazy,” Ashbaugh discussed after announcing, “…and I was not nervous [throwing the pitch], I was actually really excited!” he emphasized.
This was truly a dream come true for Ashbaugh, embodying how with a little help, one can do anything they put their mind to, and he did just that!