An Atlantic police officer who lost his leg in a motorcycle crash more than a decade ago got to show off his pitching skills this weekend.
K-9 Officer Michael Braxton threw out the ceremonial first pitch Saturday before the Philadelphia Phillies took on the Washington Nationals.
Braxton made history after he returned to work from the 2013 crash took his left leg. He not only returned as a detective, but is now the state's first amputee K-9 officer.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation originally was going to have a group make the toss, Braxton told BreakingAC.
"It still beats me why I was picked," he said of going solo.
"I wasn't nervous at first," Braxton said of taking the mound. "They the messages started reminding me of Stephen A. Smith's first pitch for the Yankees."
Smith's pitch bounced about midway before making it to the catcher.
Braxton had a better time.
"It all went well," he said. "I made it over the plate."
Sporting a red Phillies jersey with the number 4 and his name, Braxton took the mound and threw to the Phillie Phanatic.
"A day I'll cherish forever," he wrote in a TikTok marking the day. "What a privilege and honor!!!"
"Officer Braxton made the ACPD and City of Atlantic City proud," the department wrote in a release about the accomplishment.
@michael.braxton.j A day that I’ll cherish forever, what a privilege and honor!!! 🙏🏾 @Toyota #phillies #openingpitch #dreambig #challengedathletesfoundation #toyota #citizensbankpark #inspiration #dedication #motivation #amputee #disabilityawareness #livelovelaugh ♬ Game Day (Rock Remix) - Eric Lives Here
