NEW YORK – Clarke Schmidt has crouched behind home plate to catch countless ceremonial first pitches over the course of his career. It’s part of the job description for a pitcher who counts four days off between each starting assignment.
This one meant more than all the others combined.
The Yankees surprised the right-hander by tabbing Schmidt’s father, United States Marine Corps Col. Dwight Schmidt, to visit his son’s workplace atop the mound before Thursday’s series finale against the Rangers at Yankee Stadium, recognizing Fleet Week in New York City.
In the hours before Thursday’s game, Schmidt was told only that he would be catching a pitch from a special guest. That was certainly true. Dwight Schmidt served for 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, 10 on active duty and 20 as a reservist.
He has also been a Delta Air Lines pilot for more than two decades. On at least two occasions, Schmidt has drawn the honor of piloting his son and the Yankees on their chartered jet, which he called “a magical experience” and “absolutely one of the most fun things I’ve gotten to do.”
During the 2024 World Series, Schmidt shared with MLB.com how his father flew the Yankees’ charter to Los Angeles and kept the surprise a secret until the final moment.
“Everybody has been reaching out about what a good pilot he was,” Schmidt said then. “I’m glad everybody had a good time and made it here safely.”