100-year-old World War II veteran throws first pitch for Twins
Private First Class Mickey Nelson, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, prepares to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020.[Minnesota Twins via Twitter]
Sunday was Armed Forces Appreciation Day for the Minnesota Twins, who had a special guest before their game against the Detroit Tigers.
Private First Class Mickey Nelson threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Sunday’s game. Since COVID-19 restrictions prevent outside personnel from attending games in person, he did the honors virtually from Hayek Field in Albert Lea.
Nelson, a 100-year-old Clarks Grove native, served as a tank mechanic in an armored division of the U.S. Army during World War II.
Last month Nelson made headlines when he completed a 100-mile walk to raise funds for COVID-19 food programs.
Today’s ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Private First Class Mickey Nelson, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year. The Clarks Grove, MN native and U.S. Army veteran served in an armored division as a tank mechanic during World War II. pic.twitter.com/YAGy6M8ngT
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 6, 2020