'A blessing to be back here': Kavan Markwood throws out 1st pitch at PNC Park nearly 5 months after falling from Clemente Wall

As Kavan Markwood walked out to the pitcher’s mound, he couldn’t help but steal a glance toward right field at PNC Park and get flashbacks from his fall over the 21-foot Clemente Wall on April 30.

“Every time I looked that way I see…,” Markwood told TribLive, his voice trailing off. “I’ve watched the video multiple times, and all see is myself laying there. It’s terrible but I’m blessed to be here.”

Markwood returned to the ballpark for the first time since surviving the two-story fall onto the warning track, as the Pittsburgh Pirates invited him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Saturday’s game against the Athletics.

“I had a lot of PTSD of me falling from the wall,” Markwood said. “The only thing I can do is pray to God every single day.”

The Pirates had Kavan Markwood, the fan who fell over the Clemente Wall on April 30, throw out the ceremonial first pitch Saturday night before their game against the Athletics at PNC Park. pic.twitter.com/38RejXAsp0

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) September 20, 2025

The 21-year-old from Lincoln received a rousing ovation when introduced to the crowd while wearing a custom gold City Connect jersey with his surname across his back.

“That was amazing,” Markwood said. “I really appreciate the city for that. This is definitely a blessing to be back here. I praise the Lord for being here on earth.”

Markwood received an invitation from the Pirates to throw out the first pitch, and met with club chairman Bob Nutting, manager Don Kelly and designated hitter Andrew McCutchen before the game.

It was on McCutchen’s double during the seventh inning that Markwood jumped out of his seat and fell over the railing, a moment that deeply touched McCutchen. He put his hands on his head, took a knee and placed his right hand on his batting helmet with his left hand over his mouth while first responders attended to Markwood on the field. The Pirates icon gave Markwood his batting practice bat and autographed it with a personalized message, then took photos with Markwood and his friends.

Markwood said he doesn’t have many memories from the game against the Chicago Cubs, other than walking into the ballpark, sitting down in his seat in the front row of Section 142 and chatting with another fan.

“I was watching the game, then I woke up three or four days later,” Markwood said. “That’s the last thing I remember, until that day in the ambulance.”

Markwood sustained serious injuries, including a concussion and a broken back, clavicle and neck. He said he recently had a cast removed from his left wrist, which is still healing. Markwood said he deals with frequent neck and back pain and discomfort.

But he was able to throw a pitch from the mound, even though it hit the dirt and bounced to Pirates outfielder Jack Suwinski in front of home plate.

“It was a lot,” Markwood said. “I had to fight through things mentally and physically. I’m blessed that I’m here. All I can do is thank God.”