SB Nation

James Conner to throw out first pitch on Pirates Opening Day

Matt Kincaid/Getty Images

James Conner just keeps on rolling straight through cancer and on Sunday will add another accomplishment to his already lengthy resume: Pitcher.

We all know James Conner as the running back of the Pitt Panthers, and lately, from his courageous battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. But this coming weekend, the Pitt star will try his hand (sort of) at baseball.

The Pittsburgh Pirates open their season on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Bucs have asked him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at PNC Park. The game time is at 1:05 p.m. so tune in early to catch Conner's pitch. Even if you're not at the game, it will be televised on ESPN.

According to Pitt's official press release, Conner knows he won't end up as one of the many athletes, from other sports, that end up on the blooper reel: "I'm honored to throw out the first pitch for the Pirates' season opener and I want to thank everyone in the organization for this incredible invitation," Conner said. "It has been a long time since I played baseball but I'll make sure my arm is ready to throw a strike on Sunday."

Doesn't sound like this will be one of those embarrassing moments in first pitch history.

Be sure to join Cardiac Hill's Facebook page and follow us on Twitter@PittPantherBlog for our regular updates on Pitt athletics. Follow the author@BrunoPittsburgh

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