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Boy Whose Dad Died at Stadium Throws First Pitch

Cooper Stone's father fell trying to catch a ball

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 1, 2011 8:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – Nice moment before the Texas Rangers' playoff opener yesterday: 6-year-old Cooper Stone threw out the first pitch to his favorite player, Josh Hamilton. In July, Cooper watched his father, Shannon, fall to his death at Rangers Ballpark while reaching for a ball—tossed up by Hamilton. Rangers fans were on their feet for the emotional ceremony, notes AP, though they had little to cheer for later: The Rangers got routed by Tampa, 9-0.

After throwing out the first pitch, Cooper Stone, 6, talks with Josh Hamilton.
After throwing out the first pitch, Cooper Stone, 6, talks with Josh Hamilton.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Cooper Stone walks out to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
Cooper Stone walks out to throw the ceremonial first pitch.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Cooper Stone, 6, leaves the field with with Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan, center, and Josh Hamilton.
Cooper Stone, 6, leaves the field with with Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan, center, and Josh Hamilton.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Cooper Stone talks with Josh Hamilton after the pitch.
Cooper Stone talks with Josh Hamilton after the pitch.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Cooper Stone winds up.
Cooper Stone winds up.   (Getty Images)
Cooper Stone throws the first pitch to Josh Hamilton.
Cooper Stone throws the first pitch to Josh Hamilton.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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A YouTube clip of Cooper Stone throwing the ceremonial pitch to Josh Hamilton.   (YouTube)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Ziggums
Oct 7, 2011 11:37 PM CDT
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you why society is doomed.... In the people behind some of the comments below. Honestly guys, would it hurt to commend someone for doing something good? I know if my father died when I was 7 it would probably do a lot to ease the pain to meet my favorite baseball player.
shusss
Oct 2, 2011 11:13 AM CDT
Classy move, Texas Rangers.  Where some of these fools listed below come from I have no idea.
FegelahBoychic2
Oct 1, 2011 7:02 PM CDT
When Cooper gets to be 13 or so he can brag about this event and recall his father's carelessness.

 
Texas Rangers • Josh Hamilton • baseball • first pitch • Cooper Stone

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