The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Garrett Nichols is an inspiration for all of us. The 11-year old was born with a club foot. Last year, his right leg was amputated due to nerve damage. Garrett has a positive attitude about everything and a few months after surgery, he was back on the pitching mound playing the sport he loves - baseball.
After hearing about Garrett and his love for the sport, Iowa Head Baseball Coach Rick Heller invited Garrett and his family to the University of Iowa to throw out the first pitch at the Hawkeye/Michigan State game in Iowa City.
On Sunday, May 12, Garrett took the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Senior Day for the Hawkeyes.
Garrett threw a strike! When asked what pitch he threw, he said "a fast ball" and stated he wasn't nervous at all.
Garrett sat in the dugout the whole game with the Hawkeyes. He met basketball star Connor McCaffrey who also plays baseball for Iowa. Connor texted his Dad, Head Basketball Coach Fran McCaffery to come meet Garrett.
"What an awesome experience," Garrett said.
The stadium played Garrett's news video about his amputation on the jumbo tron and then announced his name to the field. The crowd went wild cheering for him.
His parents Darren and Kelly Nichols of West Burlington, Iowa had tears of joy. "We are so proud of our son," Darren said.
Darren is an Illini West graduate. His parents are Stronghurst graduates - Rod Nichols and Donna Keever Schaley.