THUNDER BAY – Mitch Marner is used to having people watch his every move on the ice.
On Friday evening, the Toronto Maple Leafs star found everyone’s eyes on him in a different sport.
The 27-year-old forward threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Port Arthur Stadium for Friday night’s Northwoods League game between the Thunder Bay Border Cats and the Duluth Huskies.
Serving in the role of catcher was Border Cats shortstop Greg LaChance, who is Marner’s brother-in-law.
“There might have been a little bit of extra pressure as he’s a lot better at baseball than I am,” Marner said.
“I haven’t thrown a first pitch since 2017 (before a Toronto Blue Jays game) and I don’t have a very good arm, so I was trying to get the ball over the plate and in the strike zone.”
Marner said Friday marked the first time that he had been able to see LaChance play since he was in high school.
“It’s amazing for me and my wife (Stephanie) to come and support Greg and show him our love,” Marner added. “He’s had some amazing seasons in college and we’re excited to watch him do his thing.”
While Marner has been all over the place during his time with the Maple Leafs and was in various cities throughout the province during his career with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, this marked the first time he had ever been to Thunder Bay.
His first impressions were very positive.
“Thunder Bay’s a great place,” Marner said. “My buddies chirp me all the time about never coming up here and now I’ll have to get them to come down to Toronto and visit.”
After Marner threw out the first pitch and gave a hug to his brother-in-law, he was surrounded by fans looking to get an autograph and a picture.
“It’s never a shock to see all of the Maple Leafs fans around Ontario and across Canada,” Marner said. “We’re so fortunate to have everyone supporting the team and we really appreciate it.”