Artemis II Astronaut Victor Glover Throws First Pitch at Angels Game

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Captain Victor Glover, M.S., has tackled numerous significant challenges throughout his career, from piloting fighter jets in the Navy to being part of the historic Artemis II mission that ventured beyond Earth's low orbit in April 2026. Yet, on Friday, he faced what he described as potentially his most nerve-wracking task yet: delivering the ceremonial first pitch at a Los Angeles Angels game, with star player Mike Trout watching closely.

“That may be the thing I'm the most nervous about,” Glover admitted, expressing his excitement at the opportunity. “Can I take a selfie and throw a pitch at the same time? It's just cool to be here and I'm gonna just focus on that, having fun and trying to enjoy the energy in the stadium.”

Hailing from Pomona, California, Glover has been on a whirlwind tour of Southern California since his crew's successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. A particularly memorable moment for him was visiting his former high school, Ontario High, where a building was named in his honor. On the field at Angel Stadium, he shared captivating stories from his mission, including witnessing a solar eclipse from space and the challenges of readjusting to gravity after his return.

Glover, who was active in sports during his high school years and played various positions while studying at Cal Poly, emphasized the importance of physical fitness and sports in his life. “I love sports... I'm a fan of human greatness,” he stated, reflecting on how sports have shaped his character and skills. He also noted the mental benefits of exercise, linking it to his success as an astronaut.

Despite the apparent differences between throwing a baseball and navigating spacecraft, Glover recognized a shared experience: the nerves that come with both tasks. He maintained that hard work and dedication, whether on the pitch or in the cockpit, are essential life skills that contribute to success.