News
Oudin serves up first pitch for Braves
Tennis sensation made memorable run at U.S. Open
By Guy Curtright / Special to MLB.com
09/19/09 8:10 PM ET
ATLANTA -- Melanie Oudin appeared a lot more comfortable hitting tennis balls into the stands as souvenirs for eager fans than she did later taking the mound at Turner Field.After all, the teen sensation was the first to admit she knew "almost nothing about baseball" before getting the invitation to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Braves' game with the Phillies on Saturday night.
A few pitching lessons from her boyfriend during the week, however, definitely paid off for the 17-year-old from the Atlanta suburb of Marietta.
Throwing from the pitching rubber, Oudin got her toss to fill-in catcher Chipper Jones just in front of the plate on a short hop. That drew a big cheer from the fans and brought a smile of relief to the tennis phenom's face.
"I don't really follow tennis that much, but I knew her name," Jones said. "She is making quite a ripple."
Oudin has gone from relative obscurity to a household name for many after shocking Elena Dementieva and Maria Sharapova and going all the way to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open earlier this month.
"I never thought about all the attention I might get," Oudin said. "I just love playing tennis."
Her tennis breakthrough has brought a lot of attention, with many calling her the new face of the sport in the United States.
Oudin made all the media rounds in New York City after her surprising play in the U.S. Open, as well as appearing on "The Tonight Show" with Conan O'Brien. Now she is being feted in her hometown. On Sunday, she will be honored at the Falcons' home game against the Panthers.
The teenager admitted that she really wasn't a Braves fan and didn't know most of the players.
"The last time I went to a game, I think I was in the first grade," Oudin said.
Atlanta pitching coach Roger McDowell made sure to meet Oudin at the request of his two daughters, both tennis players.
"When is the last time you signed two baseballs?" he asked Oudin, who smiled and grabbed the pen.
Asked later if it was easier to autograph baseballs or tennis balls, Oudin had a quick answer: "The baseballs."
She signed both for fans, and then got ready to take the mound.
"I'm a little nervous," Oudin admitted. "I'm never done anything like this before."
Guy Curtright is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
