Pitch perfect

     Few things go as well together as summertime and baseball. On July 23, Ardenwoods resident Joy Clark was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Asheville Tourists baseball game.

     When Joy moved to Ardenwoods, she knew she wanted to take advantage of the many opportunities the community offers residents. Her enthusiasm and immense love for baseball made her the perfect candidate to represent Ardenwoods for the first pitch — she immediately said yes.

     It was a warm summer evening at McCormick Field as the Tourists prepared to play the Bowling Green Hot Rods. When Joy arrived at the stadium, she was escorted by the Tourists' staff, who showed her around the grounds and introduced her to personnel and players. Then, she geared up in a Tourists t-shirt and Ardenwoods ball cap to fit the part.

     “It was my first time at this stadium, and I couldn’t have been more excited,” said Joy. “The evening was, yes, exciting, but also well-handled. Someone was telling me each step of the process.”

     The crowd was already in place when Joy stepped up to the pitcher’s mound. Then, just like that, she threw a perfect underhand pitch.

     “I’ve seen professionals throw a wind-up and overhand pitch, but the underhand pitch was more my speed. After I pitched the ball, I got a big applause,” said Joy. “Then, I proudly curtsied.”

     Joy was also named the “Grandparent of the Game”, which honors one lucky “Grandparent” at each of this season’s home games. Who knows — you could be next!

     After making her presence known on the field, Joy joined other Ardenwoods residents and staff in the stands to cheer on the Tourists.

     Joy was just as sporty as a young girl. Growing up during World War II, she learned to make the most out of what she had available, like using rocks as baseball “field” bases. There was a vacant lot in her neighborhood where she and her friends would play baseball, day in and day out.

     “This was the start of my love of baseball,” she said. “Throughout my later years in school, I got to play similar sports, but baseball has always been my favorite.”

     Joy was on the basketball team during her junior and senior years of high school, but mostly boys played on sports teams, especially baseball.

     “I’m still living in the glow of my first pitch. It was absolutely delightful,” said Joy. “People in the Ardenwoods halls and campus still joke around with me and say: Catch this ball!”

     When she is not reminiscing over her time on the Tourists field, Joy enjoys the Ardenwoods dining scene and attending other Ardenwoods-sponsored events.

     “The food is top-notch, just delicious,” said Joy. “I also enjoy spending time in the library and at organized musical and historical events.”

     Thank you to the Tourists for having Ardenwoods and creating a one-of-a-kind experience for Joy!

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