Blake Corum, renowned for his tenacity during his time at Michigan, showcased his prowess on the mound as he threw the ceremonial first pitch for the Detroit Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
Against the backdrop of Detroit's iconic skyline, Corum delivered a pinpoint strike across home plate to mark the commencement of the Tigers' game against the Oakland Athletics. Following the pitch, Corum soaked in the moment, reflecting on his performance in an interview with Bally Sports Detroit.
"It was great," Corum remarked. "I look back at it, I just wanted to get it down the pipe. But looking back, I wish I would have thrown a little more heat. I had a little more in my arsenal, like throwing a curveball, but I just threw my two-seam fastball and it went right down the pipe."
As Corum noted, simplicity proved effective, a philosophy he mastered during his tenure in Ann Arbor.
"These are just two Big Ten rings," Corum pointed out, indicating his hand, "and we have four more coming in on the 20th for the Spring Game, so I’m excited to see those."
Having secured a National Championship and etched his name in Michigan's record books for career rushing touchdowns, Corum has reached remarkable heights in recent months. With the 2024 NFL Draft set to take place in Detroit later this month, Corum's journey promises another captivating chapter.
"I just try to take it one day at a time, but it's been nothing but great, just living out your childhood dreams," Corum reflected. "Obviously going to the combine, training for the combine and training for pro day and ultimately getting ready for rookie mini camp, so it’s been nothing but great. It’s definitely been a lot, but I wouldn’t want it any other way."
As one of many Wolverines poised for selection in the NFL Draft, Corum anticipates a momentous day for Michigan. Yet, amidst the transition of talent from Ann Arbor to the professional ranks, Corum remains attuned to promising players set to make their mark in the upcoming season.
"There’s definitely some young guys I’m excited about, some transfers like Jaishawn [Barham], he went to my high school and transferred from Maryland. He’s a big backer, I’m excited to see what he does," Corum shared. "I keep saying it, Donovan [Edwards] is going to do his thing, Kalel [Mullings] is going to do his thing, but Ben Hall. Ben Hall is a name to look out from, super excited to see what he does. He reminds me a lot of myself, just his work ethic, his determination to be great, but overall I’m really excited about the team."
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the first pitch ceremony in Detroit, Corum acknowledged the journey's challenges and triumphs.
"Those long days, those long nights— we’re here," Corum affirmed. "So, it’s been nothing but great."
