The First Pitch

The First Pitch is a bronze sculpture positioned at the main entrance of Sahlen Field that captures a man in motion throwing a baseball. The figure depicts the ceremonial moment that opened the stadium for its first game.

The sculpture was created in 2012 by artist William Koch to honor the former mayor who played a key role in bringing baseball back to Buffalo. The sport had been absent from the city for many years before this revival.

The statue stands at the stadium entrance and represents how baseball became important to Buffalo's identity. It honors a mayor whose work brought the sport back to the community.

The sculpture sits at One James D. Griffin Plaza right next to the main stadium entrance and is easy to locate. You can view it from outside anytime, whether or not a game is taking place.

After the honored mayor passed away in 2008, the city council decided to name the plaza in front of the stadium after him. This decision made the sculpture part of a broader recognition of his contributions to the city.

Location: Buffalo

Inception: 2012

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 42.88141,-78.87459

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01