Baffert Throws First Pitch Before Dodger Game

Trainer Bob Baffert took a victory lap at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, June 9, tossing out the ceremonial first pitch in celebration of American Pharoah 's Triple Crown victory.

The white-haired trainer wore a No. 12 Dodgers jersey with his name on the back and brought his 10-year-old son Bode to the mound. Baffert's throw to the plate was high and away, but catcher A.J. Ellis snagged it. American Pharoah became the 12th horse to win the Triple Crown June 6 in New York.

Watch trainer Bob Baffert throw out first pitch at Dodgers game

''I guess he'd be like (Yasiel) Puig,'' Baffert joked, comparing the horse he trains to one of the Dodgers' star players. ''When he gets out there, he dominates.''

It was Baffert's first ceremonial first pitch since 2002, when War Emblem won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), but failed in his bid to sweep the Triple Crown with a loss in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

''I'm at an age where you get a pass,'' the 62-year-old trainer said about his throwing abilities.

Baffert was greeted by ace Clayton Kershaw and manager Don Mattingly before the game against his home state Arizona Diamondbacks. He grew up in the border city of Nogales, Az.

Baffert said he's a Dodger fan because ''when I grew up there was no Diamondbacks.''

After his on-field duties, Baffert, wife, Jill, Bode and a friend retired to the Dugout Club to eat "Dodger Dogs" slathered in ketchup and mustard.

Baffert is based at nearby Santa Anita Park, where American Pharoah is scheduled to return on June 18.

Baffert is heading to Louisville, Ky., on Thursday to spend a few days with his history-making colt. He will attend a ceremony at Churchill Downs on Saturday, June 13, when he, owner Ahmed Zayat and jockey Victor Espinoza will receive their Kentucky Derby trophies, and Pharoah will be paraded on the track.