Metro East Sun

Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) threw out the first pitch during Jacksonville Night 2022 at Busch Stadium on May 14.

“Awesome to be on the field to throw the first pitch,” Davidsmeyer wrote on Facebook.

The pitch was just one element of the day.

“(The Jacksonville Drumline) are just super excited and will be performing at twelve o’clock in the Ford Theater there kind of back behind center field,” Shelley Singleton, event organizer, said on WLDS prior to the event. “Davidsmeyer I understand has been practicing a little bit to get out there and throw his strike. And then we have an after-party at Don’s because we figured it’s only a 1:15 p.m. game and it won’t even be dark on your way home. So why not stop in at Don’s and the Hot Town Trio will be playing so we’ll just make a whole day of it and have a celebration when we get back to Jacksonville.”

The main event pitted the Cardinals against the Giants. 

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen to represent Jacksonville,” Davidsmeyer said, according to The Source. “I have been a Cardinal fan my entire life and can’t believe I will actually be throwing out the first pitch from the mound with my two boys at my side! What a thrill! I am so grateful for this opportunity.”

Christine Good-Deal, Illinois School for the Deaf Jr./Sr. principal, signed God Bless America and the National Anthem for the game. The Jacksonville Drumline Institute also performed.

“We are thrilled that Davidsmeyer (was) available and excited to represent his hometown of Jacksonville for this event,” Singleton said, according to The Source. “Davidsmeyer and his family have lived in and served the Jacksonville community for several generations. We are overjoyed to thank Davidsmeyer for all his efforts in representing our community and to have Davidsmeyer, his wife, Kristen and their sons participate in the festivities this year.”