SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants fan Bryan Stow, wearing an orange-and-black ensemble with the "SF" logo on his chest, joined the opening day festivities at AT&T Park via satellite as part of the first-pitch ceremony.
It was a poignant and emotional moment on a day that featured heartfelt and moving tributes to Giants legends of the past, including those who have passed away in the past year.
Stow, who sustained traumatic brain injury in a beating last opening day at Dodgers Stadium, was seated with his mother Ann and presented the first-pitch ball to his son Tyler, via the video board in center field.
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His mother shared this message on Bryan Stow's behalf:
"Thank you Renel Brooks-Moon and the fans for showing Bryan and our family all your love and support over this past year. We had hoped that Bryan would be there today with you but he's here working very hard on all his therapies. But we couldn't be more excited for the person filling in for Bryan, and that's his son Tyler. Tyler, your dad's going to hand you the ball, and we know with Jeremy's help you're going to do great."
Tyler Stow walked to the mound accompanied by Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt, the pitcher's left hand holding a ball, his right hand on Tyler Stow's shoulder.
Bryan Stow then said: "Tyler, here's your ball. Good luck son."
San Francisco Giants
He reached forward, extending his hand and a ball; the symbolic exchange concluded to a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.
Tyler Stow promptly delivered a fastball from the mound, followed by a high-five from Affeldt and members of the team.
The Giants dedicated the opening day to Bryan Stow.
According to a website maintained by his family, the former Santa Cruz paramedic resides in an apartment at an undisclosed rehab facility with two other patients with similar injuries. He needs someone to transfer him to and from his wheelchair, dress him and prepare meals.
Attorneys representing Stow and his family have filed a civil suit against the Dodgers and a claim against the team in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In it they claim the 43-year-old will need medical care for life and have cited 50 million as a conservative total estimate of his damages.
The Dodgers asked the Bankruptcy Court to dismiss Stow's claim and find that the team could not be held liable.
The men accused with attacking Stow -- Louis Sanchez and Marvin Norwood -- were arrested in July; they have pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and mayhem.