US soccer stars step off the pitch to throw a first pitch

United States Men's National Team soccer stars Tim Howard, Eddie Johnson and Clint Dempsey were in Seattle on Sunday as they prepared for their World Cup Qualifying match on Tuesday against Panama. With some free time on their hands, they decided to visit sunny Safeco Field and take in a Mariners game.

Johnson, who is also a forward for Seattle Sounders FC, threw out the ceremonial first pitch while his two compatriots flanked him on the mound and provided moral support. Soccer players rarely get to use their hands, but Johnson looked like a natural when he tossed a strike to Seattle Mariners rookie catcher Brandon Bantz.

-- Connor Hutyler / MLB.com Real-Time Correspondent