Watch Tom Hanks Throw First Pitch For Cleveland With Cast Away's Wilson

screenrant.com:

Tom Hanks threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Cleveland Guardians home opener while accompanied by his volleyball pal, Wilson, from Cast Away. Hanks starred in the 2000 survival drama movie by Robert Zemeckis that saw him stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash in the South Pacific. Alone and desperate for human connection, Hanks' character draws a face in smeared blood on a Wilson brand volleyball and develops a deep connection with it.

Since the 2000 film released, the Wilson volleyball from Cast Away has become a cultural icon, having been referenced in countless movies and shows. The prop was so beloved that it was named the Critics' Choice Award Winner for Best Inanimate Object in 2001. The Wilson brand even currently sells a Cast Away volleyball with the Wilson face in «smeared blood» on their website for around $20. The real Wilson prop used in the movie sold back in 2021 at an auction for $300,000, which far exceeded the estimated selling price of $80,000. Because of the iconic nature of the Wilson volleyball from Cast Away, it's only fitting that Hanks be reunited with his friend.

Related: Cast Away: Did FedEx Pay For Product Placement?

While attending the Cleveland Guardians home opener, Hanks delivered the first pitch along with his pal, Wilson, from Cast Away, which can be viewed in this Twitter post from Bally Sports Cleveland. The 65-year-old actor, however, encountered some trouble during the pitch when his Wilson volleyball continuously rolled away from him. Hanks attempted to calm Wilson down, drawing laughter from the fans in attendance. Eventually, Hanks was able to deliver the pitch, which was a little too far to the left, as the volleyball crossed his path. Watch Hanks throw