Batkid gets first-pitch honor at Giants' home opener

SAN FRANCISCO -- Batkid's return to the scene of one of his famous triumphs highlighted the annual pregame pageantry Tuesday during the countdown to the Giants' home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Last Nov. 15, Miles Scott, a 5-year-old whose cancer remains in remission, was allowed to portray Batkid, an associate of comic book superhero Batman. The Make-A-Wish foundation, which strives to fulfill the desires of seriously ill children, combined with the city of San Francisco to set up events in which Batkid saved the day. His feats of derring-do made him an instant hero locally and drew nationwide attention.

Batkid ended his series of heroics by speeding to AT&T Park to rescue Giants mascot Lou Seal, who had been bound by heavy rope.

This time, Batkid made a dramatic entrance through the gate in the left-field corner 10 minutes before the game's scheduled start. Through a puff of white smoke came the Batmobile, with Miles in tow -- and full Batkid costume. The Batmobile crept toward the Giants' dugout, briefly interrupting right-hander Tim Hudson's warmups. Once in front of the dugout, Batkid emerged from the car, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd, and was led to the mound by Giants starter Matt Cain. Batkid went into his windup and flung the ceremonial first pitch to Cain, who crouched halfway been the mound and home plate. Though Batkid's toss was a ground ball, he displayed admirable form.

Batkid then returned to the Batmobile and acknowledged fans as the car traveled the circumference of the warning track on its way out of the ballpark.

Earlier, the Giants honored club employees who passed away since last year's opener, with a moment of silence. Their names were shown on the scoreboard along with that of Jerry Coleman, the San Francisco native and San Diego Padres broadcaster who died in January. An enormous American flag, spanning virtually the entire outfield grass, was unfurled as Sebu Simonian of the indie pop duo Capital Cities performed "The Star-Spangled Banner."