GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gastonia Honey Hunters started their inaugural season on Thursday night, and they brought in a special guest to swing into action.
The team announced on Wednesday via tweet that famed basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson would throw the honorary first pitch at the Honey Hunters' first ever game, sharing a photo of Johnson in their tweet.
Johnson told reporters he was worried he'd get the ball to the plate, but he did, firing a strike to Honey Hunters manager Mauro Gozzo.
Johnson is a friend and business partner of the team's owner, Brandon Bellamy.
Before throwing the pitch, Johnson addressed the crowd at brand new CaroMont Health Park, part of the city's FUSE District.
"To build this beautiful stadium, I had to fly in from L.A. to see it myself," Johnson said. "I was blown away."
Bellamy told WCNC Charlotte that Johnson's company will provide food and beverage at the stadium.
"This team is my love letter to Gastonia," Bellamy said. "This team is fearless, determined and resilient. And that's who they are. We're going to represent that every day."
The Honey Hunter's play as part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (APLB). Both season and single-game tickets can be bought online.