Newly retired soccer legend Landon Donovan returned to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the third and final game of the team’s opening series against the San Diego Padres.
Donovan retired from soccer this winter after leading the LA Galaxy to their fifth MLS Cup title and his sixth individual title. Donovan retired as the MLS and USMNT leader in goals and assists.
The 32-year-old isn’t spending his retirement years relaxing in a rocking chair and drinking lemonade. In the four short months since he walked off the pitch and into the sunset, Donovan has filmed multiple commercials, travelled, got engaged, attended community college, and now, thrown out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium.
Born in Ontario, California, Donovan grew up a die-hard Dodgers fan. He threw out the first pitch once before at Dodger Stadium right after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in which Donovan’s legendary stoppage time goal against Algeria saved the United States from elimination and sent them through to the round of 16.
On Wednesday, Donovan didn’t “bend it like Beckham,” he didn’t curl it into the corner, or kick it off his toe. He merely floated his throw high and to the right for catcher A.J. Ellis.
Donovan thanked the LA fans for all their support of the Galaxy and his individual career over the years. Before walking off the field, he spoke with Tommy Lasorda.
“I grew up watching the Dodgers and listening to the Dodgers on the radio. I met Tommy Lasorda,” said Donovan. “As a Dodgers fan, he’s the cream of the crop.”
You can watch the video of Donovan’s first pitch in the tweet below.
.@landondonovan's first pitch. #gooooaaaall pic.twitter.com/GeeDje9hYZ — Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 9, 2015
