Fordham Baseball Honored as McShane Takes Mound at Yankee Stadium

Though it’s been a long time since Fordham University has sent a baseball player to the major leagues, a Ram had the honor of taking the mound at Yankee Stadium on July 1. Fordham’s president Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J. threw out the ceremonial first pitch in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Fordham baseball.

“I am delighted that the Yankees have chosen to honor Fordham’s contribution to the great American pastime,” McShane said in a statement Fordham released before the game. “I hope I do Fordham proud in my 15 seconds on the mound.”

Once on the field, McShane, wearing a Yankees cap, jokingly blessed Yankee catcher Jorge Posada before lobbing a slow changeup to the five-time all-star. The gesture garnered laughs from the crowd and a spot on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

While McShane’s actual toss may not have been cause for celebration, the ceremony did bring attention to Fordham’s role in the history of the game, a role that began in 1859 with a contest between Fordham and Xavier College. In the years since, Fordham has sent Hall of Famers like Frankie Frisch, “The Fordham Flash,” to the majors, along with other greats like Estaban Bellan, the first Latino major leaguer. Current Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay is also a Fordham alumni and was in the press box for Wednesday’s game. For the record, McShane is the first Ram to pitch at Yankee Stadium since Pete Harnisch, FCRH ’87, of the Baltimore Orioles threw seven innings in a 3-1 loss on Aug. 24, 1989.

The Fordham community’s most recent baseball accomplishment was also honored before the game, as the Fordham Preparatory team was on the field in recognition of winning their first Catholic High School Athletic Association championship since 1992.

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