HOUSTON — Astros fans have not seen a player take the mound who was at least 6-foot-10 since Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson pitched one season for the Astros in 1998. At least in a ceremonial sense, they were treated to another athlete of his stature on Wednesday.
Houston Rockets center Christian Wood was given the honor to throw out the first pitch before the Astros took on the Seattle Mariners.
“It was further than I thought,” Wood said regarding the distance from the mound to home plate at Minute Maid Park. “He (Chas McCormick, outfielder) caught it, and that’s all I am really happy for. He caught the ball. It was harder than I thought it was, but I am glad I got it there.”
