The first pitch at the Washington Nationals home opener on Thursday was thrown out by hero cop, Blaine Gaskill, who quickly confronted and stopped a school shooting at Great Mills High School in Maryland last month.
Gaskill, a St. Mary’s County Deputy, threw out the ceremonial first pitch to cheers and a standing ovation from the audience, even as the nation debates over the role of armed officers and guns in school.
An eyewitness told The Daily Caller that the audience was “standing and cheering” for Gaskill as he threw his pitch, “It was a great reception.”
The pitch was not that great, according to reporter Richard Reeve, who said Gaskill, “bounced it, but people were still clapping for him. Guy is a hero after all.”
On March 20th, Austin Rollins entered Great Mills High School and fatally shot Jaelynn Willey. Gaskill immediately confronted the shooter within seconds. After being confronted by Gaskill, Rollins fatally shot himself. Gaskill fired one shot, which hit the weapon in the shooter’s hand, according to police reports.
Gaskill wore a Nationals jersey with his name on it
He appeared to be “nervous but excited.”
FIRST PITCH HERO: St. Mary’s Co. Sheriff’s Deputy/School Resource Officer Blaine Gaskill says he’s ready! “Pretty excited to be here,” he says. “Nervous but excited.” pic.twitter.com/OqrstYJeNX
— Richard Reeve (@abc7Richard) April 5, 2018
Blake Gaskill, the officer who stopped the shooting at Great Mills High School, is about to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) April 5, 2018
A fitting tribute.