Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at an Arizona Diamondbacks baseball game is a fantastic way to celebrate your birthday. 

A few months ago, Casino Arizona held a raffle contest for their staff. The winner of the raffle would be selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the home-season finale game on Sept. 25 between the Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

The winner also received admission to the game, along with a prize pack that included three additional tickets for guests, free parking, a customized replica No. 24 Diamondbacks jersey, as well as field admission passes to watch both teams warm up during batting practice. 

“We had 472 entries,” revealed David Brewer, Casino Arizona Team Engagement manager.

Benjamin Anton, slot key employee at Casino Arizona and a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member, was revealed as the winner on Sept. 22. Anton has been employed by the casino for 15 years and is also a commercial real estate agent. Additionally, he also serves on the board of the Talking Stick Golf Course. 

He is also pursuing a doctor of science degree in construction management at Arizona State University. 

Anton was joined by his children on the field as his name was announced over the Chase Field sound system.

“I wasn’t nervous at all. I get to do pretty fun things already with the life I have, so I was more nervous about making sure I got it to the plate,” he admitted. 

Earlier this year, Anton performed during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Native American Recognition Day. 

He added, “I practiced with my daughter the day before the game. They told me [to practice for] 60 feet. But when I got there, it threw me off because they said I couldn’t go on the pitcher’s mound. So, I didn’t throw it as hard, but I still made it [over the plate].”

Anton also admitted that wearing his customized Diamondbacks jersey added to the special occasion. “The jersey fit like a glove,” he said. 

A few days later, Anton celebrated his birthday. 

As far as the game, the Diamondbacks suffered a tough blowout loss to the Dodgers to the tune of 8-0. The Diamondbacks finished the 2025 season with an overall record of 80 wins and 79 losses and didn’t make the postseason.