Ten-Year-Old Crash Survivor to Throw First Pitch at Phillies’ Home Opener
At Citizens Bank Park, Briar Jones will take the mound for a moment he’ll never forget. The 10-year-old from Nemours Children’s Hospital has been chosen to throw the first pitch when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Colorado Rockies on March 31, 2025.
Last September, Briar’s world turned upside down. While riding his minibike, he was hit by an SUV – leaving him with multiple broken bones and deep cuts. Through months of recovery and hard work, he pushed through.
“It’s hard to put into words how much help we’ve had from EMS and from Nemours hospital. I can’t say enough good about them,” said Michael Jones to CBS News.
The Phillies jumped in to help with Briar’s recovery. They brought him to Nemours to practice throwing and gave him his own jersey. When asked about the big day, Briar admitted, “I’m gonna be a little nervous and a little excited.”
His friends at Nemours, including Naccai and Nolan Schnitzspan, got together for a fun pep rally to cheer him on before his big moment.
Get there early – the first 20,000 fans through the gates will get a free Opening Day T-shirt.
