Let the Games Begin: Actor Keanu Reeves Tosses Ceremonial First Pitch to Open PPBA Season

By STEVE GALLUZZO |  Sports Editor

When he introduced the first-pitch honoree during Saturday morning’s Pancake Breakfast, Pacific Palisades Baseball Association Commissioner Bob Benton admitted he could have given a 15-minute speech on Keanu Reeves, who wore a beard, a glove and a cap for his moment in the sun at the Palisades Recreation Center’s Field of Dreams complex.

The 52-year-old actor and renaissance man, who has starred in over 60 films and appeared in numerous TV shows since 1985, delivered a strike to Mustang Cardinals player Kate St. John shortly after 9 o’ clock to officially open the 2017 season.

Reeves, perhaps best known for his role as Neo in “The Matrix” trilogy, played a coach in the 2001 movie “Hardball” and happens to love baseball.

“The catching, the throwing, the opportunity to make the play and the gamesmanship… it’s a great sport,” said Reeves, who played goalie for hi high school hockey team in Toronto, Canada. “This is a great honor. To all the kids… have fun, be safe, play hard and play fair!”       

Benton began the festivities by thanking the numerous volunteers, coaches, umpires and sponsors without whose efforts the local Pony organization would not flourish. A special shout-out went to the maintenance crew for grooming the four diamonds for play. The PPBA has been a part of the Pacific Palisades community since 1954, although Benton acknowledged: “I have not been here for all those years.”

Flower bouquets were presented to Pancake Breakfast co-chairs Natalie Iwanyk and Sara Dorband and brothers Finn and Ian Sullivan were acknowledged for selling the most $5 tickets, earning trips to the UCLA and Pepperdine baseball camps. Village School 6th-grader Kieran Cooper sang the national anthem, then Reeves took center stage.

“I’m friends with the Iwanyks and when they asked if I’d like to throw out the first pitch I was thrilled,” said Reeves, who lives in West Hollywood.”My new movie [John Wick: Chapter 2] has been warmly-received  and I’ve been fortunate to be in all kinds of movies. If I had to pick which one I enjoyed making the most it changes, but today I’ll say ‘The Matrix.’”       

Reeves is also a producer, musician and avid motorcycle rider. His film credits include such hits as “Point Break,” “Dangerous Liasons,” “Speed,” “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.” In 2005, his accomplishments were recognized by the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a star located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard. Reeves lingered long after tossing the first pitch Saturday, signing autographs and taking pictures with dozens of uniformed players and their families.

Highlighting an exciting day of games in the Bronco Division was an American League showdown between the Orioles and Red Sox in which the Orioles prevailed 11-10. Meanwhile, the Cardinals outslugged the National League rival Cubs 16-14 and in interleague action the Dodgers edged the Yankees 5-4.

In the Mustang Division, the Cubs topped the Cardinals 12-5, the Phillies blanked the Dodgers 24-0, the Red Sox got past the Orioles 11-10 and the Yankees beat the Tigers 17-10.   

In the Pinto Division, the Cubs outscored the Cardinals 21-3, the Dodgers got past the Phillies 12-7, the Red Sox defeated the Orioles 13-10 and the Tigers edged the Yankees 14-13.

In the Pony Division, Pali White plays Pali Red on Friday night.