Mid-Ohio: Milka Duno does ceremonial first pitch

Milka throws Out "first pitch" at Columbus Clipper'S baseball game.

June 28, 2002 Columbus, OH - Milka Duno, in Ohio to compete in the third round of the American Le Mans Series Championship, threw the ceremonial "first pitch" tonight at the Columbus Clipper's baseball game in Columbus. The Clipper's are the New York Yankee's Triple-A Affiliate.

Not having much experience at tossing a hardball, Milka earlier in the day enlisted the teaching support of some of her MBD Sportscar teammates. After setting up an artificial mound, and walking off the presumed sixty feet, the good-natured instruction began. Anyone who knows Milka at all will surely tell you that this is most definitely a woman that loves a challenge.

After being explained the basics - which Milka quickly grasped - she stepped up onto the mound and in no time was hurling suprisingly good pitches across the makeshift plate.

"Never before have I seen such raw baseball talent," exclaimed MBD Technical Director and "honorary pitching coach" Larry Holt. "It's simply amazing! I doubt though that we'll be able to convince her to start chewing tobacco!"

"I caught a couple of her pitches during my stint behind the plate," said teammate John Graham. "My hand is still stinging!"

Tonight at the ballpark, after being introduced over the echoing public address system, Milka nervously walked the seemingly mile-long walk to the mound before a crowd numbering in the thousands. With her pride and resolve kicking in, Milka assumed the classic pitcher's stance, began her wind-up, and fluidly delivered an extremely respectable pitch over the white rubber plate. The crowd cheered.

Afterward, when asked about the experience, the beautiful and talented Venezuelan said with a grin - "Baseball's been very, very good to me!"

Additional information on Milka Duno is available to you at www.milkaduno.com.

-MBD-