Living a Dream: Manziel throws first pitch at Rangers game

ARLINGTON — So it was a little high. And outside. Okay … a lot high and outside.

At least he didn't bounce it in.

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel had always dreamed of playing baseball for the Texas Rangers. In a way, he got to live out that dream on Sunday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Rangers vs. Angels.

"That was too cool," Manziel said. "I've been a Rangers fan a long time. I try to come to as many games [as possible]. To sit there and talk to Nolan [Ryan] and everybody [was great].

“I got to meet Pudge [Rodriguez]," Manziel added. Pudge was awesome. Other than Nolan, he’s one of my favorite Rangers of all-time. He was the greatest."

In true Johnny Football form, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner toed the rubber. But the pitch sailed off to the right and ceremonial catcher Mitch Moreland made a leaping catch to keep the ball from landing in the gaggle of cameramen and reporters who were on-hand for the toss.

"I didn't bounce it. That was the biggest key," Manziel said. "Every single person (including Nolan Ryan) said, 'Don't bounce it.'"

Manziel admitted that he was quite nervous when he stepped onto the mound.

"I don't think I've been that nervous since the Heisman [ceremony]," Manziel said. "It was a little wild and I was a little nervous. My heart was beating a little bit but it was good."

Manziel has partaken in a lifetime of surreal experiences since he won the Heisman Trophy on December 8, and fans have seen many of those moments play out on Twitter.

This experience will remain "Twitter dark" … at least for now.

“No," Manziel said when asked if he would be Tweeting about tonight's adventure. "I’ll post a little picture on Instagram, probably. It’ll be cool. Other than that, no.

“[The break from Twitter] has been good. It’s been well-needed."

The former star middle infielder at Kerrville Tivy High School grew up dreaming of playing shortstop for the Rangers. He actually committed to play both football and baseball for the Aggies and had conversations with the A&M baseball coaches about joining the team following spring workouts last year.

“After spring football last year, during the summer, I had a few talks with some of the coaches and just said, 'We’ll see how football goes.' Things in my life worked out pretty well. I’m blessed. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

"I’ve been to three or four [A&M[ games so far [this season]. I would love to play. I chose a little different path. Football came into the center stage of my life when I always thought I would play baseball. I do miss it.”

And if you're looking for further sign of maturity from Manziel, the Aggie chose to spend Saturday as a mentor at Elite 11 Quarterback Camp in Dallas as opposed to heading to Snook for Chilifest.

“It was too cool to go out there and see a bunch of guys who are going to do great things in college. I remember being in their shoes. It’s only been a couple of years for me, so to go out there and be with Coach [George] Whitfield, Trent Dilfer and all of the staff they have [was great]. They do nothing but love, eat and breathe football. There is a bunch of talented kids, too. You’ll definitely see them down the road.”

Manziel and the Aggies close out spring drills with the annual Maroon & White game this Saturday at Kyle Field. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

“I think it will be really cool," Manziel said. "I think it will be good. Coach Sumlin does a good job. He brought in a DJ the other night. He brings in a lot of energy. Especially since ESPN will be there, we’ll be fired up. There will be a lot of competition out there.”