Andre Ward throws out first pitch, A's come back to beat Tigers in game four of ALDS

Super middleweight world champion Andre Ward threw out the ceremonial first pitch yesterday at The Coliseum in Oakland, opening the night on what was a dramatic comeback win in game four of the ALDS for the hometown Oakland Athletics against the Detroit Tigers, tying the series 2-2.

One wonders why I'm bothering saying anything about this. Could it be that I'm from Michigan and I'm a Tigers fan? No, I grew up an Orioles fan (it's a long story), and am now a Cubs fan (as of this season - life is really hilarious). Could it be that I think Andre Ward's presence magically lifted his A's to victory? No.

It's 4 the hitz, y'all. Any of them. Any at all. Also, so I can use the photo of Ward on the mound at a major sporting event with a baseball in his hand, because I like getting chances to use photos of Boxers Doing Other Things.

I will say that it seems like more and more boxers and boxing folks are doing first pitches. Manny's done them, I think Donaire's done them, Roach, Robert Guerrero did an A's game not too long ago, recently Golden Boy had guys for the Brooklyn show throwing out pitches at a Dodgers game, which would be a great idea if it were 1953 and the Dodgers hadn't moved to Los Angeles already.

I look forward to the 2013 baseball season and finding out who throws out first pitches. I'm going to keep track. There's no way I don't forget this by ... well, I was going to say January, but probably next week.

There's a Boxer Doing Other Things!!!