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Doug Drabek Describes Honor Of Throwing Out First Pitch

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - The last Pirates' starter to get the nod in a playoff game, Doug Drabek joined Starkey, Miller and Mueller to describe what it was like taking the mound again and throwing out the first pitch before the team's historic Wild Card playoff game against the Cincinnati Reds.

"I had a lot of pressure," Drabek joked.  "I had some kids that I coach, and then some family members and friends all text me and say I better not bounce it and it better be a strike. It was great walking out there and 40-some thousand fans cheering and going crazy waiting for the game to start.  It was a good feeling."

Drabek spoke on a more serious note about how he felt when he got the call from the Pirates asking him to throw out the ceremonial pitch.

"It was an honor," he said.  "I was surprised when they called, but like I said it was an honor.  It had been a long time, so like I said earlier, it was fun to get on the field in front of that many people again."

Drabek also discussed the atmosphere at PNC Park for the game against the Reds, the difference between how pitchers are used now and how they were used during his playing days and what his relationship is like with former teammate Sid Bream.

Doug Drabek

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