Teen honored at Mets game

Born with just one leg along with many other health issues, Alexander Garrett had every right to bemoan his unkind fate.
But from day one, the Jamaica Hills resident has been the picture of optimism, looking to try new things and stay as physically fit as possible. &#8220I just learned to deal with it, and I made sure to make the best of everything,” he said. &#8220I love to be positive and happy.”
&#8220Since he was small, his focus was on learning new things and doing things,” added his father, John. &#8220A lot of people want to make that (his disability) the focus. But that's not the way it is. He's very happy.”
Alas, he's lived a charmed life so far, having met three presidents, three New York City mayor's, and countless celebrities.
Last Wednesday, August 9, he reached a high point in his young life. Garrett, 14, threw out the first pitch at a New York Mets home game, as he was chosen by Group Health Inc. (GHI) because of his unconquerable spirit. This is the sixth consecutive year GHI has afforded a youngster with opening pitch honors.
&#8220Alexander Garrett is an extraordinary young man,” said Frank Branchini, CEO of GHI. &#8220His positive spirit and ability to engage and inspire others makes him a natural role model for all of us.”
A rising sophomore at the Henry Viscardi School for children with orthopedic disabilities in Albertson, LI, Garrett chatted with Mets Manager Willie Randolph and third baseman David Wright before firing a strike, a high fastball, to third base coach Manny Acta prior to the Mets' 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres.
&#8220I just focused on getting it to the catcher, not making a big deal how I'm throwing out the first pitch at a major league ballpark in front of [a lot of] people,” he said. &#8220I was thinking a lot about it, but I just stayed calm, just focused on getting it done right.”
Furthermore, Garrett appeared on Sportsnet New York during the live broadcast, when he was interviewed by field reporter Chris Cotter, and got to walk around the Shea Stadium field.
&#8220I really enjoyed it,” said Garrett, an aspiring sports television broadcaster. &#8220I thought it was pretty neat. I just felt like a Mets player when I was on the field, like I was a Met.”
Ironically, Garrett's courageous athletic fortitude got him to Shea Stadium in the first place. A participant with the New York Roadrunners club since the age of two, he now runs in the three- and five-mile races, running on one rollerblade and crutches at times.
A few months ago, Garrett had just completed a five-mile run when a representative from GHI asked him if he would be interested in throwing out the first pitch at a Mets game. Garrett didn't need to think it over.
&#8220I said ‘sure,' ” he said, &#8220because I love baseball.”