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Former Panther Makes His Return

Chris Hoffman/Highlands Today

Toronto Blue Jay pitcher and former SFCC star Jesse Litsch throws out the ceremonial first pitch on Friday during the Panthers' home opener.

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By Christopher  Hoffman | Highlands Today

Published: January 27, 2008

AVON PARK — Former SFCC Panther and current Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Jesse Litsch returned to his old stomping grounds on Friday evening, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on opening day against St. Petersburg College.

Litsch, who graduated from SFCC and was named Florida Pitcher of the Year in 2004, signed autographs and took pictures with many of the same fans who came out to cheer him on when he was striking opposing batters out on a much smaller stage.

"I loved my time here [at SFCC]," Listch said. "I've got a lot of memories of our team and the playoff run we had. This is one of the places I got to learn my craft."

The 23-year old pitcher from St. Petersburg made news last May by allowing just one run on four hits, and three walks over 8 2/3 innings in his major league debut against the Baltimore Orioles.

Litsch finished his first year in the majors 7-9 with a 3.89 ERA and 50 K/36 BB over 20 starts.

Walking on the mound for the first time as a major leaguer is a memory Litsch says will stick with him for a lifetime.

"That first start was crazy," Litsch said. "My dad was in attendance, and I got two pies in my face while doing interviews from teammates.

"That was a dream come true for me."

This season, Litsch enters spring training with the Blue Jays in a battle for the fifth and final spot in Toronto's rotation and plans on putting up a good fight.

"I'm confident going into this season," Litsch said. "I've worked out all winter and all I can do is go there and show them I'm the right guy for the job.

"I proved a lot to myself last season. I proved that I belong there."

But on Friday, Litsch soaked up the experience of being a fan: Laughing with former coaches and current Panther members and being just one of the guys — a guy that's where every player in uniform would like to be on day.

"I just tell them to work their asses off," Litsch said. "And believe in yourself."

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