Manny big hit in Major League rites

LOS ANGELES — Since he played baseball in his younger days, he certainly knew what he was doing.

So, there was nothing new, nothing difficult for Manny Pacquiao when he threw the ceremonial pitch during a recent match between the Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics here.

Pacquiao, therefore, felt at ease despite the fact that he was pitching at the Angels Stadium, that it was for a Major League game, and that he had to do it in front of 45,000 fans, most of them cheered when his name was announced.

After all, Pacquiao is already a certified world-class athlete.

"Sanay na ako sa madaming tao. At sanay din naman ako sa baseball. Pitcher din ako noong nasa elementary pa ako," said Pacquiao, believed to be the first Filipino ever to do the honor during a Major League game.

"Ganun ba? Una ba ako?" he said, recalling the moment when he threw the pitch last Sept. 1. He was wearing a red Angels cap, white jersey, black cargo pants and rubber shoes.

He kept the cap, jersey and the baseball for souvenir, adding that they will surely be part of a career museum he plans to build someday.

Pacquiao said he threw a fast-ball in his Major League debut.

"Fast-ball yun," he boasted, his pitch driving just a little short but straight toward the catcher.

Pacquiao was introduced to, and shook hands with Major League superstar Vladimir Guerrero of the Angels before the ceremonial pitch.

Pacquiao just wrapped up training at the Wild Card Gym when he went to the Angeles Stadium on board his Lincoln Navigator that was driven by his personal adviser Joe Ramos. With them were two other associates, Jayke Joson and Clem Asencio.

On their way back to the apartment, Pacquiao said he could only look back at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Hindi ko makakalimutan yun," he said. — Abac Cordero