Typically it’s baseball players who sign autographs at the ballpark, but when Houston native Simone Biles threw out the first pitch at Friday’s Astros game, first baseman Jon Singleton had different ideas.
After catching the ceremonial first pitch, which Biles launched in a leap to the plate, Singleton approached the Olympic gold medalist with the ball and a pen that miraculously materialized on her way to the mound.
Biles didn’t hesitate to sign before posing with Singleton and Astros mascot Orbit for a quick photo. That was quickly followed by another photo session with Astros manager Joe Espada and his daughter Viviana.
And Biles wasn’t the only Olympic medalist in attendance. Jordan Chiles was also in Houston amid the ongoing controversy over the bronze medal she won on the floor exercise, which was later stripped from her and awarded to her Romanian rival Ana Barbosu.
Biles and Chiles were seen laughing and taking selfies with other Houston-area Olympians before taking their seats.
Simone Biles returned to throw out the ceremonial opening pitch at an Astros game in Houston
Jordan Chiles, right, hugs fellow Olympic gymnast Simone Biles before Friday’s match
Astros manager Joe Espada (19) poses with his daughter Viviana and Simone Biles
This isn’t the first time Biles has thrown out her first pitch at Minute Maid Park. But unlike her previous pitches, such as in Game 2 of the 2019 World Series, the decorated gymnast opted not to do a flip on the field.
Fans were thrilled to see Biles in person, though, after winning three more Olympic golds and a silver at the Paris Games. And Houston’s 3-2 win over visiting Kansas City made the evening even better.
Earlier Friday, Biles urged Olympic fans to watch the ongoing Paralympics.
“Don’t forget the Paralympics are coming up! Let’s support and watch these amazing athletes,” Biles wrote with a blue heart emoji. “GO USA!”
The Paralympic Games began on Wednesday with the opening ceremony. Thursday was followed by a busy opening day with most of the events entering their first stages.
The games will continue until Sunday, September 8.
