What a long, strange trip it has been for Gary Pinkel and the Missouri Tigers. Pinkel began his career in Columbia with a rather pedestrian 37-35 record. Because of that Pinkel, spent quite a bit of time riding a warm seat. But all that changed following last year's 12-2 breakout season.So how far has Pinkel come? He's now reached ceremonial first pitch status, on Opening Day, no less!
"Pinkel, the 2007 Big 12 Conference co-Coach of the Year, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for Monday's game. It is not currently known what kind of pitch the former tight end will be going with, but his repertoire reportedly consists of a slow ball, a slower ball and something resembling an eephus pitch.I don't know what kind of pitching repertoire Pinkel actually possesses, but it seems his he lobbed his biggest curveball at college football fans who assumed he was a dead man walking years ago.
The FieldTurf 2007 National Coach of the Year will also appear for a stint in the broadcast booth as guests of Fox Sports Net Midwest for the Cardinals telecast. Pinkel is scheduled to appear in the top of the third inning for the game with FSN broadcasters Dan McLaughlin and Al Hrabosky."
