WATCH: Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate throws out first pitch for Astros

An Ohio native, Jae’Sean Tate threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Houston’s home game on Tuesday versus Cleveland.

Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate grew up in Ohio, but he has quickly become an emerging name on the Houston professional sports scene. As a result, he looked quite happy to wear an Astros baseball jersey while throwing out Tuesday’s ceremonial first pitch at Minute Maid Park.

The Astros are playing the Cleveland Indians, who are from Tate’s native state. But these days, the NBA All-Rookie first-teamer is all about embracing his new hometown of Houston — as evidenced by the “H-Town vs. Everyone” shirt visible underneath his jersey.

Tate told host Jackson Gatlin on the “Locked on Rockets” podcast that it was the first time he’s ever tried to pitch in his life, and the team’s official Twitter account showed him getting in some practice beforehand.

Given Tate’s lack of experience, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the pitch wasn’t quite in baseball’s usual strike zone. Nonetheless, it was clearly a significant moment for a rising star in Houston sports.

Known best for his toughness and defensive versatility, Tate averaged 11.3 points (50.6% FG) and 5.3 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game during his debut NBA season. It was quite a rise for the 6-foot-5 lefty, who played two seasons internationally after going undrafted in 2018 and appears poised to play a key role for the Rockets in the years ahead.

[lawrence-related id=50155,49243]

[listicle id=49807]