St. John's coach Rick Pitino throws out first pitch to Donovan Mitchell at Subway Series

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Leading off at the Subway Series, new St. John's coach Rick Pitino.

Just before the New York Yankees faced the Mets on Tuesday night at Citi Field, the Hall of Fame basketball coach threw out a ceremonial first pitch to Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell — who played for Pitino at Louisville.

Mitchell's father, also named Donovan, works for the Mets as Senior Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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St. Johns mens basketball coach Rick Pitino, left, poses for photos with Cleveland Cavaliers Donavan Mitchell before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in New York.  (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

"I'm friends with Donovan Mitchell Sr. as well, and when I found out that young Donovan was catching me, I thought it was awesome. Because I love him, I love everything about their family. I just hope I don't throw it too hard for him and hurt him," the 70-year-old Pitino said with a laugh as he spoke near the Mets' dugout while the Yankees finished batting practice.

To get ready for his big moment on the mound, Pitino practiced a bit earlier in the day.

"I threw it for the first time today in 35 years," he said. "It hurt."

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St. Johns mens basketball coach Rick Pitino throws out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Wearing a No. 7 St. John's baseball jersey, Pitino received a nice ovation when he was introduced to the