CINCINNATI, Ohio — Cervilio Amador turned his back to home plate, just like Johnny Cueto. Then he did two spins in the air before landing gracefully and throwing a ceremonial pitch to Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.
Ballet and baseball, a double tour.
The Cuban dancer and the Cuban pitcher teamed up for a special moment on Sunday before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers. They left Cuba several years apart and have furthered their careers in Cincinnati, where they became friends.
Amador always wanted to throw a pitch, and Chapman helped him with it. Amador also had a long chat by the dugout with manager Dusty Baker, who visited his dance school in Cuba several years ago.
Amador says he was as nervous on the mound as when on stage.