Former Greek National Team player and 2004 Olympian, Clay Bellinger, was back at Yankee Stadium this week, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Yankees’ playoff game against the Boston Red Sox. On the receiving end was his son, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger.
Clay spent three seasons with the Yankees from 1999-2001, winning two World Series championships with the club before later representing Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Bellinger played in all seven games for Greece during the Olympics, recording five hits, two doubles, four runs, two RBI and two stolen bases. He also homered in Greece’s 12-7 win over Italy, a historical first ever Olympic baseball win.
Cody Bellinger has a connection to the Greek community as well. In 2019, he received AHEPA’s Harry Agganis Hellenic Athlete Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by athletes of Hellenic heritage. “I would like to thank AHEPA for this recognition,” Bellinger said. “The Award has special meaning to the Greek American community, and I am honored to receive it.”
A pretty cool baseball moment — and one with plenty of Greek ties.
