Correction: A prior version of this story contained an incorrect spelling of Riley's last name. WCPO regrets this error.
CINCINNATI -- There was probably a time when Dave Riley thought he’d never be able to throw a baseball again.
The Army and Coast Guard veteran lost all four of his limbs in the late 90s after he contracted gangrene.
Not many remained in their seats at Great American Ball Park Saturday after he threw out the first pitch for the Reds' Military Appreciation Day game against the Colorado Rockies.
Riley, the National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans, was one of the first quadruple amputees to ever throw a pitch at a Reds game.
"It's great, once in a lifetime experience,” Riley said. “We got a good ovation by the crowd, it was good to be able to represent our 1.3 million members. You know the umpires all signed the ball for me, the Rockies even signed the ball.”
The DAV helps ensure veterans lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Their mission is to make sure the country upholds its promises made to the men and women who served in the military.
Hankook Tire America Corporation gave Riley a $150,000 check to support Disabled American Veterans by expanding the Hankook-DAV Mobile Service Office program, an initiative that aims to reach veterans in smaller towns and communities to help educate them on the benefits and services available.
