Here it is - the big FIRST PITCH!! As you'll see from the video, Ally threw a perfect strike! Not bad after she felt so terrible last week that she could barely get the ball to me from even closer range. I was one proud papa for sure, and I even remembered to catch the ball. Ally was recognized on the field for Ally's Army being the highest fundraiser in Dayton and Cincinnati for the Light the Night walk, then Bob was recognized first for being Dayton's Man of the Year, then for the National Man of the Year. They even announced that combined between the Man of the Year competition and Ally's Army's walk that we raised $470,000!! After that came the moment we have been waiting/nervous for (not Ally, she didn't seem to have a care in the world!). It was a dual pitch with Ally and another survivor Leah throwing out the simultaneous FIRST PITCH...

Thank You to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and to the Cincinnati Reds for making this a night that Janel and I - and I think our kids and the Army - will forever remember. I told Ally when I was tucking her in that I honestly don't think I've ever met someone who has thrown out a first pitch. Special thanks to the 50 Army members that made the trip down to Cincinnati, driving hours to see a memorable few minutes for our little girl. Our group of Orange stands out even at a Reds game. The rain didn't cooperate, and unfortunately most of us took off after 3 innings when a storm came through, but it was a great night nonetheless. And the Reds did make sure to win when the tarps finally came off.

Arriving at the Game
Ally's Army "Media Row" as soon as we walked onto the field

Evan & Ally at ground zero behind home plate

Mrs. Red and a very frightened Carly (who fears all mascots)

Ally's Army rules the scoreboard

Bob raising Ally's hand as they announced the $470,000 raised!

Just before we headed to the mound... The aftermath, enjoying the game, family, friends, LaRosa's pizza and nachos (yes, she is now eating even if small amounts)Mommy and Evan with a birds-eye view

Carly excited to have one of her favorite twin cousins Abby on Grandma's lapAnd since you can't just show one twin, Sofie with my brother Brad modeling the new Ally's Army shirts, size TT (teenie tiny)