Aztecs Basketball Honored at San Diego Padres Game
Senior D.J. Gay throws out first pitch.
“Tonight was the epitome of what the Padres mean to San Diego,” SDSU head coach Steve Fisher said. “The way they embrace the community and support everybody is spectacular. Tonight, it was us, but they have done that repeatedly. We have a debt of gratitude to the Padres for they have reached out to everyone, including us. We are very appreciative.”
Pregame introductions
As part of the pregame festivities, each member of the program lined up along the first-base line and was introduced to the crowd. After receiving a standing ovation, the team gathered around the pitcher’s mound as team captain and senior guard D.J. Gay threw the honorary first pitch to San Diego State alum and current Padres manager Bud Black.
“I was definitely nervous,” Gay said of throwing the first pitch. “I was out of my comfort zone. I practiced a little bit yesterday and I wish I could have had some warm up tonight. The key was to get it over the plate and not let it bounce. I think I did all right.
“I never thought something like this would happen,” Gay added. “It is honor to be here. The Padres have been to our games and supported our team. We appreciate them having us out here and it is honor to be here and get to throw out the first pitch.”
Music and more
The San Diego State Pep Band, under the direction of Bryan Ransom, performed the National Anthem and played the fight song during an inning break. In addition to the fight song, the Padres played highlights from the 2010-11 season during breaks in the action.
Gay and Fisher also met with members of the media with Fisher joining Dick Enberg and Mark Grant in the San Diego television booth. Fisher also joined Ted Leitner, the voice of the Aztecs, and Andy Masur in the Padres’ radio quarters.
Banner season
The Aztecs are coming off a banner season in which they won a school-record 34 games, won their first-ever Division I NCAA postseason game and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
SDSU was ranked in the top 25 all season long and earned a program-best ranking of No. 4 during its MWC championship campaign.
San Diego State finished the year ranked No. 6 in the Associated Press poll and No. 11 in the ESPN/USA Today rankings.
“This will go down as one of the most memorable, exciting seasons in my career,” Fisher said. “I was very proud to be part of a special team.”
