The Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association, with the second-largest membership in the United States, held its 5th annual "1st Pitch Recognition Night" at Progressive Field prior to Saturday's Indians vs. Reds game.

David Burkett, the 2005 OHSBCA president and athletics director and head baseball coach at Sandy Valley was honored as the first pitch candidate.

"It has been an honor to be a part of the OHSBCA board for the past eight years," Burkett said. "It has offered a tremendous amount of life-long experiences, sights and friendships that will last a lifetime."

The first pitch event was introduced by Burkett five years ago.

"I wanted an opportunity for our OHSBCA president to be honored and recognized for the seven-year commitment it entails," he said. "The OHSBCA does a tremendous amount of financial help to coaches and players from the state of Ohio.

"The first pitch opportunity was really enjoyable and I was just happy the pitch didn't bounce. It was fun to experience it with my family and friends from all over the state of Ohio."

Burkett is the OHSBCA Historian on the Board of Directors.

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