Son of fallen Fan Throws First Pitch of Playoffs

[joeybee12]

ARLINGTON, Texas - With fans on their feet, many with tears in their eyes, 6-year-old Cooper Stone stood on the pitcher's mound and tossed the ceremonial first pitch of the playoffs to his favorite player, Josh Hamilton.

Cooper is the boy who saw his firefighter father fall to his death while trying to catch a ball thrown to him by Hamilton during a Texas game on July 7. This was his first trip back to Rangers Ballpark, and it came on center stage, with his widowed mother, Jenny, and Rangers president Nolan Ryan by his side.

Wearing a Rangers jersey featuring Hamilton's No. 32, and "Cooper" between the shoulders, the boy threw the ball on a line to Hamilton, who was standing about halfway to home plate. The outfielder — who has been through his share of personal struggles — pumped his fist, then jogged to the front of the mound and embraced the boy, then his mother.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44734330/ns/sports-baseball/

[elleng]

1. I don't usually expect to be tearful at this forum.

[bluedigger]

2. A nice gesture, but it doesn't seem to be helping them.

The Rangers are down 8-0 right now, against a pitcher making his second start...:wow:

[trumad]

3. Excellent

[ChiciB1]

4. WOW, Tampa Bay... Who Knew? We Were Really SHOCKED With Delight

after the Yankees game. Not that I'm all that into baseball, but living down the road from Tampa it was infectious! My husband was OVER JOYED because he's a big fan! He's visiting a friend and they're watching the game now, so I didn't know!

Really something I guess. But then, the Rays came back the other night. But I heard KO and his friend saying they think it will be the Brewers or Rangers to win the series. We'll see.

[El Supremo]

5. Photo >>

[madinmaryland]

6. Recommended. Thanks, joey!

[MaineDem]

7. I know there's no crying in baseball but I couldn't help myself

So sad for the family.

But I'm loving the Rays' play. I hope they make the series.