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Dirk Nowitzki throws out first pitch at Mavericks night at Globe Life Park

Even after he officially announced his retirement in April, Dallas Mavericks legend and recent retiree Dirk Nowitzki can’t manage to stay out of the spotlight.

Nowitzki threw out the first pitch prior to Wednesday’s Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles game at Globe Life Park. He also flipped the “Countdown to Globe Life Field” sign to 50 games in the fifth inning.

Nowtizki’s pitch sailed high and nearly out of reach of Rangers shortstop and de facto catcher Elvis Andrus- but it wasn’t enough to sour his famous positive demeanor.

“Clearly, error on the catcher,” Nowitzki joked afterward. “Elvis (Andrus) can’t even catch a cold, he’s got to have that one.”

Nowitzki officially announced the end to his 21-year career to much fanfare in the Mavericks’ final home game in April. In May, he mentioned gaining 10 pounds after consuming ice cream every night post-retirement.

“I haven’t worked out once (since retiring),” Nowitzki said. “Haven’t seen the inside of a gym. It’s nice not ot have that pressure each morning.”

The 2011 NBA Finals MVP said he’s been filling time by traveling with family, including a recent vacation to Mexico working with his foundation- Dirk’s Heroes, who host Nowtizki’s annual charity softball game at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco on Friday.

“(Retirement) has been everything I dreamed of,” Nowitzki said. “For the next two years, the focus is travel in family. I’m sure there’s another challenge waiting- whether that’s with the Mavericks or not, but for the next year or two, family is the focus.”

Staff Writer covering the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars for Dallas Sports Fanatic. Sports journalism grad from the University of Missouri. Christ follower, Dallas sports fan living in Houston.

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