The Bryan Brothers Bring The Heat At Reds Game

Written by: Staff on 16th August 2012

The Bryan Brothers Bring The Heat At Reds Game

epa03174536 US tennis players Bob Bryan (L) and Mike Bryan (R) celebrate after winning against French tennis players Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau during their double Davis Cup quarter final tennis match in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 07 April 2012. EPA/GUILLAUME HORCAJUELO |

(Original Link: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/08/33/Cincinnati-Tuesday-Bryans-First-Pitch-Cincinnati-Reds.aspx?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Insider%20#33%20-%20August%2016%202012%20(1))

Before beginning their quest for a fourth title at the Western & Southern Open, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Great American Ball Park on Tuesday evening, ahead of a game between the hometown Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets.

“It was an honour to be here throwing out the first pitch. It’s an adrenaline rush,” said Mike Bryan. “You’re a little nervous because you want to throw a strike. I thought we threw two good pitches. Bob’s was a little harder than mine, which I’m upset about, but overall it was a fun night.”

Added Bob Bryan, “I warmed up pretty thoroughly before the pitch. I got up there, I felt good and I brought the gas! I had a couple people film it, so I’ll be checking the video.”

The two had an opportunity to meet Reds’ manager Dusty Baker, who joined the club in 2008 after managerial stints with the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs. He also had a 19-year playing career as a member of four different franchises.

“Dusty Baker is a legend in baseball. We’re big fans of his,” Mike Bryan said. “He’s from California. He wanted to see the gold medal and we had a nice chat.”

The American twins aren’t strangers to the traditional baseball pregame festivity, having thrown out first pitches as guests of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“This is the third ballpark we’ve done and this is probably the best it’s gone,” said Bob Bryan. “Mike threw a really horrible one at Yankee Stadium and the Dodger Stadium ones were both bloopers. So when I got up there, I told myself I only live once, so I’m going to take a risk.”

The second-seeded Bryans will open their campaign at the Lindner Family Tennis Center against Jarkko Nieminen and Stanislas Wawrinka. They are riding a nine-match win streak, having completed a career Golden Slam at the London 2012 Olympics (d. Llodra/Tsonga) and following it up with victory at the Rogers Cup (d. Granollers/Lopez) in Toronto.

Topics: Bob Bryan, Cincinnati tennis news, Mike Bryan, Sports, Western and Southern Open 2012