World War II veteran throws first pitch at Bison Independence Eve celebration

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The rain persisted as many of you kicked off your Fourth of July celebrations by taking in America’s past.

Among the thousands cheering on the Buffalo Bisons Wednesday night at Sahlen Field was a local hero.

World War II veteran Joe Synakowski took to the pitcher’s mound to prove, at age 94, that he was the first to pitch.

In 1945, at the age of 15, Synakowski enlisted using his brother’s ID card and was sent to Germany to serve in the Army’s 508th Infantry Division.

He told us it was an honor to be able to represent all the veterans of Western New York.

“It means a lot to me,” Synakowski said. “I didn’t expect to throw out the first pitch, but it was a wonderful thing that people put together for me. I was really enchanted.”

In typical Independence Day Eve celebrations, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra capped off the evening with a post-game performance and of course, fireworks.