Wells Throws First Pitch at Camden Yards
4/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – One of Maryland's most accomplished basketball players stepped away from the hardwood and took the mound Friday evening at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Dez Wells, a First Team All-Big Ten performer who led Maryland to a school-record 26 regular season wins, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones prior to the Orioles game against the Boston Red Sox.
The Raleigh, N.C., native, Wells last played baseball when he was eight years old and it was his first trip to Camden Yards. He played shortstop in youth league baseball.
Wells arrived at the stadium at 4 p.m., attended batting practice and threw a few practice pitches before the big moment. He had watched others struggles with the first pitch, so prepared a strategy for success.
“I really was not trying to throw a strike,” said Wells. “I knew my limitations and just wanted to get it to the plate without it bouncing on the ground. I'm excited to have had the opportunity.”
Wells, who is in the midst of preparing for the 2015 NBA Draft, has been working out at the XFINITY Center.
“I'm appreciative of the Orioles for giving me this experience,” Wells said. “It was an opportunity that I could not pass up.”
