Long Throws First Pitch

[RamWraith]

Monday, June 2, 2008

By Brett Grassmuck

Staff Writer

Rams second overall draft pick Chris Long’s introduction to St. Louis continued on a large scale Thursday night as he was tabbed to throw out the first pitch of the St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.

Prior to the pitch, Long talked with Cardinals pitcher Mike Parisi, who would be handling catching duties, about his strategy. Long told the catcher he wanted to keep the ball high, and that’s exactly what he did.

“Oh man, I sailed it,” Long said. “I told the catcher, Parisi, before the pitch ‘I’m not going to skip it. I’m going to put it high.’ He said that sounded good, and it went high.”

The pitch went a little too high, sailing over Parisi’s head into the backstop, reminiscent of a few throws from Cardinals center fielder Rick Ankiel in his days as a major league pitcher.

Ankiel has since reinvented himself as an outfielder and has become one of the Cardinals’ most productive players, so Long is ok with any comparison.

“Rick Ankiel is a beast,” Long said. “If that’s the comparison, then that’s cool.”

Long wasn’t the only Ram at Busch Stadium Thursday night, as he was joined by the rest of the rookie class. The first-year players got a tour of the stadium and were able to take batting practice and toss a few practice pitches in the bullpen before the game.

They also watched a 3-2 Cardinals victory over the Houston Astros, complete with a home run from Cardinals first baseman, Albert Pujols.

“It’s a beautiful stadium and an awesome team,” Long said. “They got the win, and Pujols going yard was cool. It was a really cool experience.”

The veteran players had the week off, but the rookies have been at the Russell Training Center continuing to get acclimated to their new routine as NFL players.

Long got another taste of St. Louis as he threw out last night’s first pitch, and the more he experiences of the city, the more he enjoys it.

“I’m getting a feel for St. Louis every day,” Long said. “It’s a beautiful area, great people. I feel like it’s a great new home, and I’m excited about working here and playing here.”

[general counsel]

In the event any cardinals players felt the need to charge the mound last night, Long might have proved very helpful in sacking the pitcher.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[r8rh8rmike]

Well, I guess sailing it high is better than what Mariah Carey did in Japan.

[Tampa_Ram]

Was it the mayor of Cincinatti that throw the ball like straight into the ground and like 15 feet left of the catcher? i think it was but am not sure, but that was funny as hell. Im glad Long didnt throw it like that. i'd request a trade if he had...

[AvengerRam]

I'd like to see some 5'10, 170 lb. 2nd baseman charge the mound only to find Long waiting for him there.

[evil disco man]

Was it the mayor of Cincinatti that throw the ball like straight into the ground and like 15 feet left of the catcher?

That would be correct.

[r8rh8rmike]

That would be correct.

Mariah Carry might have him beat:

YouTube - Mariah Carey to throw out first pitch at baseball game

[Tampa_Ram]

Mariah Carry might have him beat:

YouTube - Mariah Carey to throw out first pitch at baseball game

I dont know abaout that. although both were horrible, i have to give the award for worse pitch to The mayor for a few reasons.

1. he's a guy. im not saying men throw better then woman, but a majority of them do.
2. Mariah throws like a girl........
3. Mariah was in high heel sneakers.
4. Mariah threw the ball and although hit the ground after flying through the air 2 ft, it rolled straight to the catcher.
5. The mayor threw its off the screen...

So although both were terrible, im going with the Mayor on this one.

P.S. The offseason is boring.....GO CHRIS LONG!!!!!!

[UtterBlitz]

oh the offseason is long.....

Mariah was cute, you can't call her terrible for that throw. It went in the right direction. The Mayor hooked his throw. That was embarrassing for him.

Hopefully some of those baseball fans will want to watch football this season.

[HUbison]

“Rick Ankiel is a beast,” Long said. “If that’s the comparison, then that’s cool.”

“It’s a beautiful stadium and an awesome team,” Long said. “They got the win, and Pujols going yard was cool. It was a really cool experience.”

“I’m getting a feel for St. Louis every day,” Long said. “It’s a beautiful area, great people. I feel like it’s a great new home, and I’m excited about working here and playing here.”

Playing up as a Redbird fan. Throwin' out some props to Ankiel and Pujols.

This guy's P.R. team are a bunch of freakin' geniuses. Like I've said, I don't know how he does on the field, but off the field, he's doing (and saying) all the right things.

[laram0]

Well Marc Bulger can rest easy. If Long can't throw a baseball with any accuracy he certainly won't be throwing a football. We won't be seeing this on the RAMS roster.

Chris Long DE/QB

[txramsfan]

I did not have one issue with Mariah Carey. Did she even throw a baseball?

[r8rh8rmike]

I did not have one issue with Mariah Carey. Did she even throw a baseball?

She absolutely did not throw a baseball. Looks like she might be pretty good at bowling though.

[AvengerRam]

Looks like she might be pretty good at bowling though.

Well, she did appear to be smuggling two bowling balls inside her jacket.