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Super Bowl Countdown: Do the Patriots or the Seahawks throw better first pitches?

Choose a Super Bowl winner based on first pitches

By Gemma Kaneko

As we approach Super Bowl XLIX, we remember the moments when a few members of the Patriots and Seahawks osmosed through the cross-sports membrane and found themselves in the world of MLB. Today: the art of the first pitch.

Though the Patriots may win when it comes to number of Super Bowl trophies, the Seahawks have them beat in terms of first pitches. Since Kam Chancellor's toss in 2012, Seattle has been racking up mound appearances.

Richard Sherman threw a strike at Safeco in 2013:

shermanpitch

And Russell Wilson and his teammates took over the field after their 2014 Super Bowl victory:

Wilson's first pitch game is so strong that he's actually a member of the Rangers:

russellwilsonpitch

Even though defensive end Michael Bennett gave his throw a "B-" and didn't think he "got [his] Ripken on," he still contributes to the overall total. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith even extended the team's geographical range by throwing out a first pitch at Dodger Stadium.  

So that's six for the Seahawks. How many do the Patriots have?

Well…just one. But maybe one is all you need:

Can you think of anything more American than a group of dudes called the Patriots launching a bunch of baseballs in front of a giant flag? Quantity is one thing, but narrative power is another.

But wait -- Smith's first pitch transformed Tommy Lasorda into a Seahawks fan:

That's true power. 

Read More: Texas RangersBoston Red SoxSeattle Mariners