WATCH: Bronx native and American triple jumper Salif Mane throws ceremonial pitch on July 4 at Yankees vs. Reds game
American triple jumper Salif Mane threw the ceremonial first pitch during Thursday's game between the New York Yankees and the Cincinnati Reds. Having earned the spot in the US track and field team for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday, he's set make his debut in the prestigious international competition.
Mane won the US Olympic trials in triple jump on Sunday and was subsequently invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium on July 4. Here's the video:
Salif Mane is a Bronx native who was born in 2001 and grew up not very far away from the iconic New York Yankees stadium.
He attended the Bronx High School of Science before continuing his studies in Fairleigh Dickinson University. After earning a degree in civil engineering in May, Mane won the NCAA Division 1 outdoor triple jump in June.
Despite his recent achievements, Mane reached new heights when he won the top spot in the US Olympic trials on Sunday. Having recorded a personal best of 56.2 feet to bag the NCAA title, the 22-year-old outdid himself with a new personal best of 57.5 feet during the trials on Sunday.
Mane is now headed to the 2024 Paris Olympics as one of the favorites in triple jump, which will take place between August 6 and 9. As he prepares to make his mark on the global stage, his ceremonial first pitch for the Yankees was a much-deserved show of respect and encouragement for the Bronx boy.
Cincinnati Reds sweep the New York Yankees following Salif Mane's ceremonial first pitch
While it was a heartwarming sight to see 22-year-old Salif Mane throw the ceremonial first pitch of the game on Thursday, the New York Yankees didn't fare well donce the action started.
The Cincinnati Reds completed a sweep of the NY team with a convincing 8-4 victory in the final game.
While Austin Wells, Ben Rice and Juan Soto homered for the Yankees, their defense crumbled against the Reds lineup.
Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman had an evening to forget, giving up three homers and five runs in five innings. After their recent slump in the MLB, the Yankees will be eager to get back on track when they face the Boston Red Sox over the weekend.