HOUSTON – The Astros were playing the Orioles Monday at Minute Maid Park but the night belonged to another player little league pitcher Tyler Martin.
Tyler is the son of slain HPD officer Richard Martin and was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Astros game Monday night. Tyler knew exactly what he wanted to do for his dad.
"Throw a strike for him," Tyler said.
"I'm very honored for today," said Tyler's mother Kimberly, Officer Martin's ex-wife. "I know its touching his heart and I know that he's very proud to be out here and be able to honor his father."
Tyler not only had the support of the crowd and the Astros, he had 2,000 men and women from the Houston Police Department and several other agencies cheering him on. That included Chief Charles McClelland. The night the chief met Tyler after his father's death, Tyler wanted to know who he could play catch with now that his father was gone.
"His dad is gone and he certainly misses his dad and his best friend," said Chief McClelland. "But he's got 5,000 other officers to play baseball with and we want him to know that."
Then Tyler's big moment came. Escorted by eight officers -- he threw a zinger to Astros star Jose Altuve with outfielder George Springer behind the plate as well. Tyler's teammates who showed up for the game were impressed.
"Tyler's pitch was amazing," said Barrett Davidson. "It was a great experience for him in honor of his dad upstairs in front of us."
"With all these officers out here it's unbelievable," said Tyler's mother Kimberly. "The support, the love that HPD and all of law enforcement has given us is overwhelming."
Tyler has some experience throwing from the mound. He is the starting pitcher for the 13 and under Cy-Fair Hawks Little League Team.