Back to the New York Jets Newsfeed

Rod Carew watches his organ donor’s father throw out first pitch

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Rod Carew and Ralf Reuland stood together in front of the mound, sharing a cause and a vision — and very much a heart.

Four months after Carew received the heart and kidney of former NFL tight end Konrad Reuland, the 71-year-old watched as Reuland’s father, Ralf, threw out the first pitch at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night.

“It’s very emotional, and a nice way to honor him,” Reuland said.

Carew had the procedure Dec. 16 and met Reuland’s family in March after mutual friends connected Reuland’s death with news of Carew’s transplant.