BrewersRaptor Brewers Recap: I Threw Out The First Pitch

For the first time since I started doing these recaps, there is more than enough to talk about when it comes to the Milwaukee Brewers. What an insane series with the Tampa Bay Rays, with the umpires somehow making themselves the stars of the show. Let’s all try to remember the names of Alex Mackay, Brian Knight, Ryan Additon and Chris Guccione. Great job all around, boys, for making that series about you.

The Brewers face off against the Cubs for the first time this weekend. Pat Murphy is suspended for that first game. Milwaukee won another series, and this weekend will determine who has a nice little cushion on top of the NL Central. So, what a perfect time to dedicate an article about me and only me!

On Saturday, April 27, I had the privilege to throw out the first pitch at the Brewers-New York Yankees game.

How I Got Picked
If you didn’t know, the Brewers debuted a new Superfan Spotlight Contest this season. Once a month, they will pick a fan and spotlight them for their fandom and contributions when it comes to the Milwaukee Brewers.

My family was kind enough to submit me, and I was picked to be the very first one. I received an e-mail stating that I had won, and then was informed that I would be getting four free tickets to a game, and that I would also be able to throw out the first pitch.

This has been a bucket list item for me for a very long time. I always wanted to be able to do something in life to earn the chance to throw out a first pitch at the Am Fam Clam. And naturally, as is life sometimes, I was able to take a shortcut and do it.

Prepping For The Pitch
Before the official announcement, I told some family and friends about the news. Everyone asked the same thing: whether I was going to practice for it, and what I was going to do.

There were plenty of options. I have played baseball my whole life, including being a pitcher. I’m used to throwing a baseball, but knew this would be different. So yes, I practiced a bit. I also had to decide if I wanted to do anything crazy. Because as a comic and performer, a normal first pitch would be boring, and I would regret it.

Lots of ideas crossed my mind. I have raptor claws that would be fun to wear on the field. But did I really want to try and bring them in? Would security let me in with them? Probably not. And I didn’t want to stand there and argue with those fine folks about why I needed to bring them in or pull the “do you know who I am?” card. So, that also meant a full raptor costume was out.

Should I fall over, like the famous Brent Suter clip where he slips and rolls off the mound? It crossed my mind a bunch. I did make a TikTok practice video where I re-enacted it, but ultimately was told to not mess up the mound after I got there. I just didn’t want to spike it. I didn’t care if it sailed way over, went 90 degrees to the right or looked terrible. Throwing it super short is not what I wanted.

Them: Are you practicing at all?
Me: pic.twitter.com/TWFwLNPTS4

— John “BrewersRaptor” Egan (@BrewersRaptor) April 24, 2024

Day Of The Game
The day of the game was filled with anxiety and nervous energy. We got to Milwaukee and were able to park with friends and tailgate for a bit. Tailgating is one of my favorite things to do ever. I also made sure to limit myself to one or two drinks. I didn’t need to not be 100% out there for a big moment. I’m glad I made that choice.

When I got inside, I was told to go to the field guest relations. I met the person who e-mailed me, and my wife and I were able to make our way down to the field. I had been on the field before, but only for the Brewers 5K and Spartan Run. I’ve been on the field, but never during a game day. It was very cool seeing the Crew come into the dugout. Matt Arnold was on the phone, Joey Wiemer was goofing around and seeing Rickie Weeks talk to players was fun. I even got to talk to Pat Murphy for a minute or two. It was nothing important, but also what do you say to him right before a game? “You’re doing a great job out there buddy!” seemed weird to say.

I got a swag bag from the team, along with the tickets. It included a City Connect beach towel, bucket hat and my own trophy, celebrating the award. Before the pitch, they had a quick ceremony where I was able to take the award while being shown on the giant new screen and celebrate. I got to be silly with it and also do my favorite derp face for pictures that will be online forever, and that I will refuse to look at.

The biggest thing in the bag was the ball I received. It was a signed team ball. What a great thing to have, to celebrate the moment and forever be grateful to the team to have received. You forget that something that takes five minutes for the players in the clubhouse turns into a major thing for a fan. Yes, it feels weird that a few of them could be my kids, with the age difference.

Throwing The Pitch
Four people threw out the first pitch: someone from a company sponsor; myself; Ben Chan, the Green Bay professor who was just on Jeopardy; and then another company sponsor that no one knew about, and was awkward. Ben asked if I was going to the mound. I said, “Absolutely.” He was a great guy to talk to. Since I had the chance, I had to go from the rubber.

The sponsor threw from in front of the mound and did ok. I was up next. I clearly remember running out and seeing myself on the screen and smiling. I got up to the mound and first base coach Quintin Berry was there to catch the throw. I wound up, I did the Brent Suter classic move and then turned my head to start to throw.

That’s when I saw Berry absolutely losing it. He knew what I was doing, and couldn’t keep it together. Seeing him break also made me break, but the throw still felt good coming out. I didn’t throw as hard as I wanted, but felt like enough.

Y’all: I spiked it.

Had to use the music pic.twitter.com/8HHO0F5yPJ

— John “BrewersRaptor” Egan (@BrewersRaptor) April 28, 2024

It was right down the middle, but hit the dirt before home plate and bounced into Berry’s glove. I can’t believe it. Why didn’t I just chuck it and make it hilarious? I could have been the next 50 Cent. He laughed, I laughed and then tried to just get it there, because I wanted to do it in the moment. I’ll regret it forever. The one thing I didn’t want to do is what happened.

After watching the video back, the “aww” sound from the crowd will haunt me forever. There were also some boos, but I am pretty sure those were people who knew me from Twitter/X. I know that because as soon as I got off the field and checked my notifications, the first one was “Hey @BrewersRaptor, I f*cking boo’ed your a**.” Absolutely hilarious to be the first thing I saw.

The Aftermath
So, the pitch wasn’t perfect, but as many people told me after, a lot better than a lot of folks probably could have done. Which is true. But I also know I could have gotten it there. Maybe for the next one.

The only real backlash I got was what happened after the pitch. The Brewers lost 15-1 that night. Then they lost 15-5 on Sunday. Then they lost on Monday. That means for over 72 hours, I was the sole reason why the Brewers couldn’t win anymore. It was a fun bit, but I’m very glad it didn’t lead to a week-long losing streak.

I did ask the Brewers how many games they would have to lose before I could come throw another pitch to break the curse. The response I received was: “Haven’t you done enough?” Fair point.

And before the game ended, I felt a little better already. The Brewers eventually went to a position player as pitcher to end the night and save their bullpen. Owen Miller had that duty on Saturday. Wouldn’t you know it, he wound up to throw and absolutely spiked it in the dirt before reaching home plate. Am I as talented as Owen Miller? Some are saying things.

It was a fantastic night and moment. Sure, there are regrets, but it'll be something to remember forever. The only bad thing to happen was later that night. We got home and my wife drove so I could enjoy the night. I was wired from the night and everything that happened. She was wired from driving.

And as we both get into bed, I decided it was time to put some moves on her for some possible extra adult stuff. And just as I started to, she turned to me and said:

“Extra stuff is for winners.”

And she rolled over and went to sleep. Can’t say I blame her.

Thanks for reading. Be good people, and go Brewers.