It’s unclear how much experience Matvei Michkov has with baseball, but Monday, while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of a Philadelphia Phillies game against the New York Yankees, the young star found the strike zone.
Rookie pitcher Tyler Phillips, a Phillies and Flyers fan growing up, caught the first pitch.
The Philadelphia Flyers posted an alternate view of Michkov’s toss on their social media.
Michkov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Flyers on July 1 and flew to the United States last week to check out his new digs and meet with the media. Michkov, projected to be a top-three pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, dropped to the Flyers at number seven due to his long contract in Russia. He negotiated out of his deal with SKA two years early to join the team as a 19-year-old next season.
Ahead of the Phillies game, Michkov received a customized number 39 jersey from the Phillies celebrating his first visit to Citizens Bank Park.
To show his appreciation, Michkov gave one of his sticks to Phillies manager Rob Thomson. Thompson, a former Detroit Tigers player, was born in Sarnia, Ontario, and grew up in nearby Corunna, Ontario. As a kid, he played hockey in the winter and baseball in the summer.
“I used to play hockey on the ice right-handed,” Thomson said. “But when we play road hockey, we call it road hockey in Canada, I shoot lefty. For what reason, I don’t know.”
Michkov said in response, “I will make you a righty (hockey stick) so you have two.”
The Flyers’ Cam York, Tyson Foerster, and Joel Farabee went to the game with Michkov. The team has plans to return to the ballpark later this year to take batting practice.
Michkov mania at Citizens Bank Park! 🤩👏
(and he threw a strike!) pic.twitter.com/5oCGm3AOCm
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 29, 2024
“I would think [this reception] is somewhat overwhelming for the young man,” NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Tom McCarthy said during the telecast.
Likely due to his catching of the first pitch, Phillips gained a new supporter in the process. Michkov is now shown as following him on Instagram.
