Elder Bednar Throws Perfect First Pitch at Houston Astros Apollo 11 Moon Landing Game
Contributed By By Linda Talbot Church News contributor
Elder David A. Bednar throws the first pitch, a strike. Photo courtesy of the Houston Astros.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, wearing a Houston Astros jersey, stepped to the mound and from the rubber threw a perfect strike in a ceremonial opening pitch at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, on Monday, July 22. The catcher was former MLB pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, who now serves as Texas Houston South Mission President, one of three missions in the Houston area.
Following their mission president onto the field were 150 missionaries who performed the National Anthem.
They were led by April Mecham of the Sugar Land 1st Ward. “They were angelic!” she said.
Elder Lisala Tai, serving in the mission from Los Angeles added, “To sing in front of the crowd and have the opportunity to help them feel the spirit was an awesome experience.”
In this month of scheduled family time and rest from travel, the Bednars brought family to the ballpark and graciously held several question and answer firesides, including one for youth before the game at Minute Maid Park. Elder Bednar reiterated his “Be All In” encouragement, which he gave in his devotional in San Antonio, Texas, in November 2018.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles prepares for throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Minute Maid park. Photo by Robert Boyd.
Sister Susan Bednar and Elder David A. Bednar watch the video of his ceremonial first pitch delivered at Minute Maid park. Photo by Kelly Foss.
“We were able to ask questions. It was really cool to put out our own experiences and hear a prophet give us insight on them,” Spencer Garthe, 15, of the Summerwood Ward.
Marcel Braithwaite, Astros senior vice president of business operations and member of the Memorial Springs Ward, facilitated the event. He noted the importance of being “All In.”
“Being ‘All In’ applies to anything that has importance to you. It means you put all your efforts and resources towards achieving the highest levels,” he said. “You dedicate yourself physically and mentally, prioritizing and sacrificing other things to achieve your goals. This is how the players succeed on the field as well as our team off the field.”
This was the Church’s annual Family Night at the ballpark and more than 4,000 members were in the stands of this sold-out game. This game was also in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The Astros beat the Oakland Athletics 11–1.
President Jeremy Guthrie and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles prepare to deliver the first pitch of the game between the Houston Astros and the Oakland A’s. Photo by Robert Boyd.
Missionaries from the Texas Houston South Mission choir sing a rendition of the national anthem with April Mecham conducting. Photo courtesy of the Houston Astros.
A sold-out crowd watches the Houston Astros play at Minute Maid park. Photo by Kelly Foss.
Elder David A. Bednar gets a hug from his wife, Sister Susan Bednar, before taking the pitchers’ mound. Photo by Robert Boyd.
Former MLB pitcher President Jeremy Guthrie gives Elder David A. Bednar final instructions and words of encouragement as he heads to the pitchers’ mound. Photo by Efren Perez.
Sister Susan Bednar, with her family, waits as Elder David A. Bednar walks to the pitchers’ mound. Photo by Robert Boyd.
Elder David A. Bednar gives the “thumbs-up” with the successful delivery of a strike. Photo courtesy of the Houston Astros.
President Jeremy Guthrie and Elder David A. Bednar are congratulated by team mascot Astro. Photo courtesy of the Houston Astros.
Elder David A. Bednar and President Jeremy Guthrie congratulating each other for a successful first pitch. Photo courtesy of the Houston Astros.
Astros’ Senior Vice President of business operations, Marcel Braithwaite, flanked by President Jeremy Guthrie of the Texas Houston South Mission, left, and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, right. Photo courtesy of the Houston Astros.
Elder David A. Bednar with the “game ball.” Photo by Robert Boyd.
Panoramic view of sold-out Minute Maid park home of the Houston Astros baseball team. Photo by Kelly Foss.
