May 3, 2007
The University of Iowa baseball team will have a special guest this Sunday, May 6, when Matt Marbach throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Hawkeyes’ series finale with Indiana. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
Marbach, 12, lost his left arm following an accident on his family’s farm in August 2005. Specialists at University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City helped Matt recover from his injuries.
Matt’s parents, Gerry and Nancy Marbach, say they are amazed by their son’s attitude and resiliency. Matt has returned to playing his most beloved sport, baseball, and also participates in football.
“It’s great to have Matt out here throwing out the first pitch,” Iowa Head Coach Jack Dahm said. “He is an inspiration to not just the team, but everybody.”
Earlier this year, the Manchester native represented all Iowa children who faced serious medical challenges during the Children’s Miracle Network “2007 CO-OP Network Champions Across America” program. On March 28, Matt and his parents joined 49 other Champions–one from each U.S. state–in Washington, D.C. The children served as ambassadors for 14 million of their hospitalized peers.
Sunday’s game is Iowa’s Miracle Game, an annual event designed to raise awareness for Children’s Miracle Network.