Astros Announce First Pitch Participants Ahead of World Series Game 1
By Adam Weinrib
Before the Astros officially kick off the final chapter of their march to a second World Series title in three years, they're bringing back a few old friends.
As Gerrit Cole prepares to stride to the mound and take down the Nationals, he'll have two trusted friends -- and the baddest man in the NFL -- to keep it warm.
Evan Gattis will squat behind the plate one more time at Minute Maid, and will surely call for a curveball from...Brian McCann.
Before game one Brian McCann will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Evan Gattis and @JJWatt will make the “Play Ball” call.
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 21, 2019
Oh yeah, and that JJ Watt guy will give the final signal!
It'll be nice for Watt to be able to be in the building for once instead of simply showing love to the 'Stros from the road.
.@Texans x @astros x @JJWatt x Jose Altuve
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 20, 2019
Talk about your all-time Houston collabs.
(? @Texans) pic.twitter.com/HhcmOwfHs8
The only remaining question here: Will Gattis and McCann accidentally stomp a few holes in the infield dirt with their powerful bear hug post-pitch? We can only hope this duo takes the importance of the moment into account and keeps things clean.
McCann retired from the game earlier this month following the Braves' playoff elimination, and we're glad he was able to make it to one final World Series anyway, remaining a part of the Astros family in retirement.