Opening day first pitch

By Alan Chamberlain | April 25, 2013 12:30 pm

Jesse Cousins, 10, took the spotlight as he threw out the first pitch (below) at the New Kent Youth Association’s baseball opening day ceremony on April 13. Jesse has been diagnosed with a heart ailment and is scheduled for open heart surgery on June 20 at VCU Medical Center. Jesse’s older brother, Shawn, performed the catching duties. Above, Jesse holds an autographed Cal Ripken baseball presented by Babe Ruth League assistant regional commissioner John Armentrout. Looking on are Shawn and district commissioner Brandon Currence (far left). The NKYA league boasts 350 players on 30 teams.

Alan Chamberlain photos