Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey, prominent players for the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team, demonstrated their athleticism beyond the court by successfully executing the ceremonial first pitch before the New York Mets' game against the Miami Marlins on Thursday night at Citi Field. The Mets went on to win the game 4-2.
Jackson, a Bronx native, threw a strike, and Prey, who had never worn a baseball glove before, caught it. Both players expressed relief and excitement about their performance.
"I didn't want to be embarrassed, man. I want to be good at everything I do," said Jackson, who was wearing a No. 11 Mets jersey. "I heard 50 Cent wasn't the best. I wasn't going to do that. It was fun. I have adrenaline built up right now."
Prey, a 6-foot-11 player, described the experience as "awesome" and a "fun experience."
Jackson is the third St. John's player to throw out a ceremonial first pitch for the Mets, following Zuby Ejiofor and Dylan Darling. Due to a rain delay, Jackson and Prey had an opportunity for warm-up throws, which they felt aided their performance.
The St. John's basketball team, under coach Rick Pitino, is generating significant local and national attention. The team is coming off a successful season, having won back-to-back Big East regular-season and postseason titles, and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in 27 years last March.
With a roster featuring new top transfer Tounde Yessoufou and highly regarded international additions Quinn Ellis and Babacar Sane, many experts project St. John's to be a top 15 team in the preseason. Jackson and Prey, both rising juniors, are expected to be integral parts of the team and are projected starters stepping into larger roles next season.
"It's great, especially being from New York," Jackson commented on building a strong program at home. "It's amazing to be a part of that."
