Rick Ankiel Strikes Out Batter on Return to Mound

Former pitcher Rick Ankiel returned to the mound in Louisville, Kentucky, for the inaugural Bluegrass World Series on August 1 and struck out the only batter he faced.According to the MLB, Ankiel, playing for the Louisville Stars, went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and faced one batter. It marked the 39-year-old’s first time on the mound since he gave up pitching in 2004.According to reports, Stars manager Johnny Bench came out and grabbed Ankiel to congratulate him before the crowd gave him a standing ovation.The Bluegrass World Series was created, organizers said, “to make a true and lasting impact on the Louisville community and beyond.” Credit: Jevin Redman via Storyful