Matthew Tkachuk throws out first pitch at hometown St. Louis Cardinals game
The summer of fun for the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers continued this week.
In addition to the daily Cup visits with players and staff, which most recently had the historic trophy in eastern Canada for stops with Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Paul Maurice, among others.
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Back down in the states, another Panthers players was enjoying a little recognition from what he and his team achieved.
Matthew Tkachuk already had his special day with the Stanley Cup and shared it with his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.
On Sunday, Tkachuk was joined by childhood friend and NBA Champion Jason Tatum as both were invited to throw out simultaneous first pitches before the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at Busch Stadium.
Tatum, like Tkachuk did for the Panthers, helped the Boston Celtics win the 2024 NBA Championship.
Tkachuk and Tatum were friends and classmates at Chaminade College Preparatory School and even recreated a famous photo of the two of them on a school bus.
How it started ➡️ How it’s going.
Jayson Tatum and Matthew Tkachuk reunited with childhood classmate Jacob B. to recreate their famous bus photo at the ballpark today!#ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/Y0ty2mIdf0
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 18, 2024
While he may not have had the Stanley Cup by his side, Tkachuk did bring his wrestling-style championship belt that he’s been spotted with all summer.
It’s also not the first time that Tkachuk has thrown a ceremonial first pitch.
Prior to his first training camp in with the Panthers two years ago, Tkachuk was invited to Marlins Park to throw the first pitch.
When this year’s camp arrives we’ll have to ask Tkachuk which one he felt was a better attempt.
For now, he and his teammates still have a few weeks of the offseason left before they all begin converging on Fort Lauderdale for camp.
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