Pro fishing got some nice exposure last night when Canadian pro Dave Mercer "cast" out the first pitch in Toronto at the Blue Jays–Orioles game. He used a rod and reel to deliver the heat.
Mercer, through his appearance, helped raise funds for the Dave Mercer's Casting For a Cure charity to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. Mercer created the charity organization in honor of his late mother, Ann Mercer, who lost her battle with cancer. He's since raised over $100,000 for cancer research.
About the experience, Mercer said: "The whole reason I did this in the first place was to try and get the word out about our great sport in a nontraditional market and raise some money for a great cause – Casting for a Cure. As far as raising money it went great. The Blue Jays are still putting together the totals but I wanted to thank all of our great partners, friends and fans that purchased tickets for the game, as the Jays will be giving $5 from each ticket sold in the Facts of Fishing seats to Casting for a Cure.
"As far as our sport getting noticed I think that happened as well. I talked to a ton of media while there and let's hope the image of me standing on the field with my rod and reel will spread."
About the pitch itself, Mercer added: "It went great, but the player dropped the first one. As soon as he dropped it, the first thing that went through my mind was, 'All my friends are going to say it was my fault and are never going to let me live it down.' So, even though it was against the rules, I had to take another cast. I guess that's just another advantage to having line connected to the ball! When I asked the player, Brett Cecil, why he dropped the first one he said, 'I'm a pitcher.' I think he just wasn't ready for my heat."
