Wilson was placed on the mound by Oscar winner Tom Hanks, who was preparing to throw the ceremonial first pitch to Larry Doby Jr., whose father was the first Black player in the American League.
Wilson, on the other hand, had a different plan.
Wilson rolled off the mound and crossed the infield before cruising in front of Hanks to toss the ball to Doby.
Later, Hanks joined the broadcast team of the Guardians to talk about his first pitch.
Why Did Tom Hanks Throw The First Pitch?
From the booth, Hanks added, “I’ve been sweating this since the time I said I’d do it.” “My elbow hasn’t been above my shoulder in a long time.”
Since his days as an intern at the Great Lakes Theater Festival, Hanks has been a Cleveland baseball fan.
He said he grew a deeper love for the game when watching games in 1977 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, where he would sit in Section 19 and keep score.
“I still have a foul ball hit by the California Angels’ Bobby Grich,” Hanks stated.
