17-05-2025
102-year-old to throw first pitch at Hammons Field on Sunday
A busload of residents from a Springfield senior living community will be heading to the Springfield Cardinals game to witness a very special occasion: 102-year-old Altha Corlew will be throwing out the first pitch.
Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl was able to pay Corlew a visit at the Bungalows in the Chesterfield Village in Springfield on Friday ahead of the big game on Sunday.
'It's really exciting,' she said. 'When they asked, I was really surprised. And when they first come in and asked me about it, I said, well no I can't do that. But then I said, yeah, I will,' Corlew said as she laughed.
She also mentioned she's been practicing with her 93-year-old catcher, her neighbor from The Bungalows at Chesterfield Village.
Growing up on a farm near Dexter, Missouri, Altha spent over 70 years working the land.
She credits her late husband, Lyndell, for her love of Cardinals baseball. Married for 48 and a half years, the couple cherished watching and listening to games together. Altha believes Lyndell will be watching from above, cheering her on.
When asked about her secret to a long and active life, Altha said she always kept her hands busy, at first from farming and picking cotton, and later, with quilting and crocheting.'
Despite not playing baseball herself, she says she is finding joy in this new experience.
'I never played ball, but when I get to throw on the ball, I really enjoy it. It's hard to believe that I'm getting this much attention.'
Altha is no stranger to recognition in Springfield. The mayor previously proclaimed 'Altha Corlew Day' on her 100th birthday.
This Sunday, she will be surrounded by her loving family, including her two daughters, multiple grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – representing five generations who are expected to be there to witness her special moment.
Ozarks First will be there too. Be sure to tune in to the news at 10 on KOLR 10 on Sunday to see her in action.
The game is set to begin at 1:00 PM on Sunday, and upwards of 30 of Altha's family members, along with dozens of her neighbors, are expected to be in attendance to support her.
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