Soldier Deployed in Afghanistan Comes Home to 'Set Tone' for Bronco World Series

Before the 12-year-olds on the Rays and Brewers started their World Series game Wednesday night, they took time to thank an American soldier. Without the sacrifices he made to protect our country, this contest might not have been possible.

Mokena native Nick Santefort, 22, pitched a strike, right down the heart of the plate and into the catcher's mitt, while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at field 10 of the .

"It sets the tone for the evening," said Mayor Tim Baldermann, who was in attendance for the toss. "Baseball is America's pastime, and to have an American hero here to throw out the first pitch - that's just a great example for the kids."

Santefort's parents watched as he received a round of applause after successfully making his throw to the Brewers catcher's mitt.

"I have a lot more appreciation for my family," Santefort said about how he has changed thus far, two years into his service.

Brewers coach Rick Nelson set up the heart-warming event. 

"I thought it would be a cool way to honor him coming back by throwing out the first pitch at a World Series game," said Nelson, whose daughter's softball team was coached by Santefort.

When asked what advice Santefort would like to give to the boys before their World Series game, the previous baseball player responded, "Just have fun. Enjoy it."

Santefort has one more year left of duty in the Army, and then has plans to go to college.

Mayor Baldermann is open to the idea for having local heroes either throw out the first pitch or do the coin toss before little league sporting events in the future.

"We've got a lot of role models in this community that I'm sure would be happy to come out and set an example for these kids," he said.