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Knicks players throw ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium
New York Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart threw out the first pitches before a Yankees game. The appearance came during the team's post-championship events in New York.
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New York Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart threw out ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium before a game between the Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. The two players received standing ovations and loud cheers as they walked onto the field to a montage of highlights from the Knicks' title run. Brunson threw to backup catcher J.C. Escarra and Hart threw to utilityman Max Schuemann.
Championship celebration events The first-pitch ceremony followed appearances by Brunson, Hart and teammates Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby on national television programs on Monday. The Knicks won their first NBA championship since 1973.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the team's story and the fan support had been notable. "Oh, I think's it been awesome," Boone said.
The mayor said the event could be the largest parade in New York City history. The Knicks' previous championships in 1970 and 1973 were marked by smaller celebrations at the mayoral mansion and City Hall. Brunson threw a first pitch for the second time since joining the Knicks.
He previously threw before a Mets-Yankees game in July 2024 after signing a four-year, $156.5 million contract. Hart is a great-nephew of former Yankees catcher Elston Howard, whose number 32 is retired by the team.
