The Ceremonial First Pitch

22 Apr The Ceremonial First Pitch

The Ceremonial First Pitch is a long-standing baseball ritual in which a guest of honor throws a ball at the start of the game. This tradition holds a special meaning for The Missing Child Project (MCP). It is an honor to perform, brings important attention to the search for missing kids and is a reminder of hope that the missing return.

As part of the ceremony, announcements are made over the loudspeaker informing fans about the mission of finding missing kids. Profiles of area missing kids may be displayed on the video board. Fans are encouraged to view The Missing Child Project signage on the stadium’s concourse featuring the profiles and vital information of local missing children. The PA announcer then directs the fans’ attention to the individual who throws the pitch to the delight of the crowd. It’s exciting and fun!

So, how did this come about? Dennis Bair, former Minor League Baseball (MiLB) player and Founder of The Missing Child Project, started his MiLB pitching career with the Williamsport Crosscutters (back then the Williamsport Cubs). Bair approached the team and asked if they would place a photo inset of a missing child on their team posters. One of the children featured on the posters was Gina DeJesus, who ultimately spent nine years held captive by her kidnapper in a house in Cleveland until 2013. When Gina’s mother Nancy Ruiz heard that Dennis was raising awareness for her missing daughter, she called to thank him.

Dennis had an idea – he approached Williamsport front office executives Doug Estes and Gabe Sinicropi about the possibility of Gina’s mom throwing out the first pitch on the night of the poster giveaway.  They said, “Yes”!  Excited for the opportunity, she diligently practiced her pitch before the game. Nancy enjoyed the experience and felt empowered in a brand-new way. The DeJesus family had posted fliers and held community vigils for years and this was something different. ABC News Cleveland would follow them around as Nancy threw out first pitches at other ballparks with the Akron RubberDucks, Mahoning Valley Scrappers and the Cleveland Indians.

When Gina was finally rescued, she told her mom that she had seen her on the news over the years throwing out the first pitch and remaining steadfast in the search. The broadcasts had given her a reason for optimism – she knew her family had never given up trying to find her, and she had hope of one day being found. She also wondered who the “big guy” was at her mother’s side during the pitch ceremony, which of course was Dennis Bair.

In the summer of 2015, Dennis arranged for Gina herself to perform the ceremonial first pitch at the ballparks, just as her mother had done in the years before. The pitches were fun and exciting for everyone – the fans, the teams, their front office staff and of course, the family.

Since that time, the Ceremonial First Pitch continues to be performed by families of missing children and other representatives to keep building awareness, and to generate leads and tips in the search. During baseball season, our hometown team, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, nearby Daytona Tortugas and the Ponte Vedra High School MCP Club generously provide opportunities for representatives to throw out the first pitch.  May there be many more first pitches this summer and in the seasons ahead!

Together we can Bring Them Home!

Photo: Ponte Vedra High School MCP Club President Nate Wicker throwing ceremonial first pitch with PVHS Sharks Baseball on April 18, 2024.