Ohio Centenarian Throws First Pitch at Baseball Game to Celebrate 103rd Birthday

An Ohio centenarian who celebrates her 103rd birthday on Tuesday, September 19, marked the occasion a little early on September 10, as she was invited to throw the first pitch at a minor league baseball game in Eastlake.

Video by the birthday girl’s great-nephew Jonathan Dudas shows people cheering as Jean Petti walks onto the field to toss the first pitch at a game between the Lake County Captains and the Lansing Lugnuts.

According to 19 News, Petti was born on September 19, 1920.

Dudas told Storyful that when asked what her secret was, Petti responded “coffee!”

The Captains defeated the Lugnuts 3-2. Credit: Jonathan Dudas via Storyful

Video transcript

- [INAUDIBLE] Mr. Campbell.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

I would like to introduce Jean Petti out there.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

She is 103 years old today.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

103 years [INAUDIBLE]-- old-- I was going to say young-- today. And she's the "wild thing." How about a big round of applause? 103 years old, Jean Petti.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

[CHEERS]

[LAUGHTER]

- [INAUDIBLE]

- Ladies and gentlemen, one more round of applause, 103 years old, Jean Petti.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

Jean, we'd like to provide you with a high five tunnel, please.

- Go to the high five tunnel.

- Two parallel lines. Jillian!