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<\/p>\nBy Nicole Matheson<\/p>\n
Baseball fans know that March 30 is opening day for the Arizona Diamondbacks and they have lined up a very special guest pitcher to open the game.<\/p>\n
Lake Havasu\u2019s own Beauden Baumkirchner will throw the ceremonial first pitch, and he was \u201creally excited and shocked\u201d to first hear the news.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeauden was invited to be interviewed on the Hot Stove show, on the MLB network,\u201d recalled Beauden\u2019s mother, Juliana Baumkirchner.<\/p>\n
\u201cChallenged Athletes co-founder, Bob Babbitt arranged that. The president\/CEO of Diamondbacks, Derrick Hall, saw the episode and then wanted to meet Beauden. We did a family zoom call with him in which Derrick personally invited Beauden to throw the first pitch on opening day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBeauden is a wonderful young man and an inspiration to us all,\u201d said D-Backs President and CEO, Derrick Hall. \u201cI saw his story on MLB Network and learned of his connection to us as his favorite team. He was a no-brainer in my opinion to be honored on Opening Day and surprising him first-hand was one of my true career highlights.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2020, when he was only 3, Beauden contracted a staph infection that led to a terrifying encounter with sepsis, resulting in the amputation of his legs and a couple fingers. Beauden remains a joyful spirit who has overcome tremendous hardships and the honor of first pitch is well deserved.<\/p>\n
Beauden has been working on his pitch for the big day. Baumkirchner told RiverScene that the Lake Havasu Vipers baseball club coach Josh \u201cAdvo\u201d took Beauden under his wing and their pitching coach has been helping him to practice.<\/p>\n
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Photo courtesy Juliana Baumkirchner<\/p>\n
Beauden had to pull out of the little league due to a reconstructive tendon surgery on his right hand in December and it is still healing. But pitching practice here and there is permitted.<\/p>\n
Brett Qualls of Agave Therapy has been working with Beauden to strengthen that hand.<\/p>\n
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Photo courtesy Juliana Baumkirchner<\/p>\n
\u201cBeauden\u2019s dad has also been working with him as well,\u201d Baumkirchner shared. \u201cPitching as a double amputee is really challenging. Not only is balancing on blades a challenge but Beauden\u2019s hip movement is entirely different than ours with legs, plus he doesn\u2019t have knees to be able to twist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Beauden loves baseball and the Diamondbacks so happen to be his favorite team. At opening day, he may even get a chance to meet his favorite player, Corbin Carrol.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, Beauden did a photo shoot\/commercial in L.A. His wardrobe stylist knows Corbin personally,\u201d Baumkirchner said. \u201cShe recorded Beauden saying hi to Corbin on her phone and sent it to him. In return, Corbin recorded and sent back a personal message to Beauden. It was really special for Beauden.\u201d<\/p>\n
That photo shoot also led to Beauden being on billboards around Los Angeles, including one at LAX airport.<\/p>\n
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Photo courtesy Juliana Baumkirchner<\/p>\n
Beauden is now a second grader and he loves recess, lunch and history. His favorite activities include riding on his standup jetski, boating, swimming and playing baseball.<\/p>\n
Watch Beauden\u2019s opening pitch on March 30 at approximately 7 p.m. Check your local listings for the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. the Detroit Tigers.<\/p>\n
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