From F1 to first pitch: Sergio Pérez thrills Dodgers fans

©Dodgers

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©Dodgers

On a starlit Wednesday evening at Dodger Stadium, Cadillac F1’s Sergio Pérez stepped up to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch, delivering a throw that – thankfully – made it all the way to the plate.

The evening had the flavor of a fiesta, with LA’s Mexican community in full voice as Checo – rocking a Dodger’s jersey emblazoned with his #11 race number – mingled with players, exchanged goodies with catcher Will Smith, and just soaked up the ballpark atmosphere.

Known for threading his car through tight street circuits, Pérez proved that even if pitching mechanics aren’t quite as precise as his apex speed, the crowd was always going to cheer him over the plate, proving that baseball and motorsport share the same heartbeat of passion.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.