West Coast Eagles great Ben Cousins throws first pitch at Perth Heat game

He might never wrangle a gig as a closing pitcher, but West Coast Eagles great Ben Cousins traded the Sherrin for a baseball as he took centre stage for Perth Heat on Saturday night.

Cousins, the 2005 Brownlow Medallist, took to the mound at Empire Ballpark to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Heat’s Australian Baseball League clash with Sydney Blue Sox.

The premiership-winning Eagle might never get a call-up to the majors, but entered the diamond to applause from the 1100-strong crowd at the Thornlie ballpark.

Cousins opted to keep the fastball in his back-pocket for the pitch but Heat chief executive Brett Patten said it was a huge and important moment for the baseball club.

“Having Ben Cousins throw the ceremonial first pitch was a special moment for everyone in attendance,” he said.

“His legacy as a champion resonates far beyond football, and his presence added a spark that elevated the entire night.

“It’s a testament to the unity and pride we all feel in representing WA sports.”

Cousins was not the only sporting champion to throw out a first pitch this weekend, with Perth Thundersticks star and three-time Dutch Olympic hockey gold medalist Eva de Goede also opening a game.

The Heat won the game against Sydney 3-2.