PHOENIX — Tyler Moldovan kicked off the final home game for the Diamondbacks World Series Game 5 to a full crowd and a standing ovation. The Phoenix police officer matched the crowd’s energy – standing and walking to throw out the first pitch, just under two years after he was shot eight times in the line of duty.
Moldovan had only been on the job a few months with Phoenix police when he was shot multiple times on Dec. 14, 2021. He initially wasn't expected to survive his severe injuries.
After undergoing months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, Moldovan was released and returned home to Arizona last summer.
Last June, Moldovan was given his official Phoenix Police Department badge at Chase Field during a Luis Gonzales Hometown Heroes community softball event.
Moldovan also opened the Diamondbacks season in April, throwing the first pitch to Zac Gallen with the help of his wife, Chelsea Moldovan, and former Diamondbacks player Luis Gonzalez.
Gonzalez, Chelsea Moldovan, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan all joined Moldovan on the field on Wednesday evening.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made the State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers also play at the Footprint. Phoenix has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall; and Cactus League Spring Training.
Sports
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