Kenny Dillingham, ASU players to throw out 1st pitch at Diamondbacks’ Opening Day

PHOENIX — Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham and four players have been invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch(es) on Opening Day for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Dillingham will be accompanied by quarterback Sam Leavitt, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, defensive back Xavion Alford and defensive lineman C.J. Fite.

The D-backs will honor ASU’s Big 12 title-winning team that reached the College Football Playoff last season at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks will take on the Chicago Cubs at 7:10 p.m. on March 27 to begin the regular season, and the Sun Devils will be up around 10 minutes before game time.

“Just thought it made a lot of sense,” D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall said on Tuesday. “After they went to the Peach Bowl, the success they had with the Big 12, it was a no-brainer for us to bring our local team back out here and be able to showcase them.

“We talked to Kenny about it when he was at Salt River Fields meeting with us, and he’s excited to get out here with those guys.”

Dillingham spoke to the Diamondbacks earlier in spring training, which from all accounts went over very well. Manager Torey Lovullo raved about the speech and their conversations afterward.

There are parallels between the two teams, as they were underdogs that made unexpected playoff runs and now face loftier expectations.

Related

Torey Lovullo on Kenny Dillingham's message to Diamondbacks: 'I see what makes him special'ASU's Sam Leavitt, Kenny Dillingham in attendance for EA Sports College Football cover shootDiamondbacks can’t complete sweep of Braves, Nolan Arenado leaves game with trunk discomfortDiamondbacks call up RHP Dennis Santana, DFA LHP Philip AbnerNolan Arenado crushes 2 homers as Diamondbacks’ bats wake up in win over BravesKetel Marte out of Diamondbacks’ lineup Saturday vs. Braves