Pirates welcome Damar Hamlin to throw out 1st pitch at PNC Park

Damar Hamlin has the Pittsburgh Pirates logo tattooed on his neck, so the Buffalo Bills safety was thrilled to wear the gold City Connect jersey with “PGH” across his chest at PNC Park.

The Pirates welcomed the McKees Rocks native, a former Central Catholic and Pitt football standout, to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres as he continues his recovery from an injury that captured the attention of a worldwide audience.

“It means everything to me,” Hamlin said of throwing out the first pitch to Pirates star Andrew McCutchen. “I grew up a Pirates fan. I grew up a Pittsburgh fan, not even just Pirates. I feel like the biggest staple to our city is that Pirates logo. I got it inked on me forever. That’s everything to me. Just to be home and throw out the first pitch is like a kid’s dream. I feel like a kid on Christmas.”

Damar Hamlin on throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates-Padres game: “It means everything.” pic.twitter.com/kHc2VYxusv

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) June 27, 2023

Pirates players and coaches stopped to shake hands and take photos with Hamlin. All-Star closer David Bednar exchanged jerseys with Hamlin and spent a few minutes talking about their family roots in McKees Rocks and joking about their mutual love for Mancini’s bread. Bednar’s father, Andy, is a 1986 Sto-Rox graduate, and he spent time visiting his grandparents in McKees Rocks.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, a McKees Rocks native and Central Catholic and Pitt alum, exchanges jerseys with Pirates All-Star closer David Bednar at PNC Park. Bednar also has family roots in the Rocks. pic.twitter.com/ivLk3niCpM

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) June 27, 2023

The 25-year-old Hamlin spent more than a week in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo after he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated during a “Monday Night Football” game Jan. 2 at Cincinnati. Hamlin collapsed on the field after being struck in the chest by Bengals receiver Tee Higgins while making what appeared to be a routine tackle during the first quarter.

In the days that followed, more than $9 million in GoFundMe donations poured into Hamlin’s toy drive fundraiser, which will be used to support young people through education and sports.

Pittsburgh native @HamlinIsland showing off the baseball skills ahead of his first pitch. pic.twitter.com/MMu6KHuKA2

— MLB (@MLB) June 27, 2023

Five months later, Hamlin was back on the field for the Bills’ voluntary minicamp. Hamlin participated in individual drills and continues to take next steps toward resuming his football career.