Throwing an opening pitch for fun at a baseball game versus kicking a football to send your team to the Super Bowl. One clearly sounds more terrifying and nerve-wracking than the other.
Except, for Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson, it’s not the one you’d think.
McPherson was on hand at Great American Ballpark Monday to throw out the first pitch before the Reds’ game against the Milwaukee Brewers. And while that pales in comparison to his game-winning kick in overtime of the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs, McPherson felt a lot more pressure throwing that pitch than he did sending the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI.
“The last time I threw a pitch was probably when I was 11 [years old],” said McPherson (H/T WCPO) “But I’ve been preparing for this pitch the last couple of days.”
“I was shaking a little bit after [throwing the pitch],” McPherson added. “I’m glad it didn’t one-hop or sail Hayden [Hurst]. I’m glad it went straight into the mit.” The new Bengals tight end was also on the field serving as the catcher for McPherson.
McPherson also told reporters, maybe jokingly, maybe not, that he might talk to special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons about maybe letting him toss a Hail Mary.
Regardless, McPherson is clearly enjoying his time in Cincinnati and ready to build on his incredible rookie season which included going 12/12 in the playoffs, including the game-winners against the Titans and the Chiefs.
