Oct. 12, 2004

HOUSTON, Texas - Baylor senior Olympic gold medalist Darold Williamson threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Houston Astros' National League Divisional Playoff game against the Atlanta Braves Saturday at Minute Maid Park.

"It was one of the most exciting sporting events I've been to," Williamson said. "The atmosphere was great - I want to go a lot more, I might get season tickets one day."

The Astros won the game, 8-5, to take a 2-1 lead in the series they would eventually clinch for their first-ever playoff series victory.

Williamson anchored the United States 4x400-meter relay team to the gold medal with a time of 2:55.91, just off the Olympic record. Williamson also anchored Baylor's indoor and outdoor national champion 4x400-meter relay team, with the indoor squad setting an NCAA record.

The San Antonio, Texas, native is the defending three-time Big 12 Outdoor champion in the 400 meters and will be looking to accomplish the rare feat of sweeping an event for four years.