The Bronx Stop: A Yankees Blog

Hey Red Sox Nation and ESPN:
Hank told you that it was a Yankee Universe. Why did you doubt him???

The Yankees today announced that NASA astronaut Garrett Reisman will throw out the ceremonial first pitch from the International Space Station prior to Wednesday's game vs. the Boston Red Sox.

It will be the first ceremonial first pitch ever thrown from space in Yankee Stadium history.

Reisman, 40, docked at the International Space Station on March 12, carrying dirt from the Yankee Stadium pitcher's mound, a Yankees banner, and a hat autographed by Yankees principal owner George M. Steinbrenner.

"Launching on the space shuttle and living aboard the International Space Station is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Reisman said. "But as a lifelong Yankees fan, throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees-Red Sox game is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"I am really honored to have this opportunity in such a historic season in the House that Ruth Built, and I would like to thank the Yankees for being so supportive of our mission up here in space. From Earth's orbit, but still deep inside the Yankees Universe, let me say, Go Yanks!!!"

A native of Parsippany, NJ, and a lifelong Yankees fan, Reisman is on his first trip into space as a member of the Expedition 16 and Expedition 17 crews. He is in the midst of a planned four-month stay aboard the space station, which is located more than 200 miles above the Earth's surface.

Reisman was launched into space on March 11 aboard Endeavour and is scheduled to return aboard Discovery in June.