JUMP AROUND #SFGOpeningDay pic.twitter.com/jzBv10XqPo
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) April 3, 2018
SAN FRANCISCO — A special guest is typically on hand to throw out the first pitch for the Giants home opener, but Tuesday’s honoree was particularly surprising.
Former closer Brian Wilson, in full Giants uniform, sprinted out from centerfield and onto the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before San Francisco’s home opener against the Mariners. The applause was slightly scattered, likely because many Giants fans didn’t recognize Wilson without his customary beard.
Brian Wilson throws out the first pitch before the home opener: pic.twitter.com/hDef0nkxcA
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) April 3, 2018
Wilson, 36, pitched for the Giants from 2006-2012, helping the coub to two World Series titles in the process. In 2013, Wilson joined the Dodgers, and made headlines when he confronted Giants CEO Larry Baer upon his return to AT&T Park, upset that he had not received his 2012 World Series ring.
Wilson, who hasn’t pitched since 2014, was a fan favorite in San Francisco known for his flamboyant personality.