Many say that the key to a long life is to keep both the mind and the body active. Perhaps that’s why Chester Hollingsworth is thriving. The 99-year-old Navy veteran not only threw out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington just before the Texas Rangers hosted the Houston Astros, but he also continues to work two days per week.
According to WFAA, Hollingsworth works at “S&H Distributing showroom and warehouse in Dallas checking and changing prices on floor samples.”
The WWII veteran turns 100 in two weeks, and after he retired from the carpet and flooring business the first time, he decided he had to go back to work or he’d go “crazy.”
Hollingsworth has been a Rangers season ticket holder since 1994, and he’s been honored at games before. As for his first time throwing out the first pitch, he wanted to milk the experience.
“I just hope I deliver it. I’m just afraid of where it’s gonna go,” he told WFAA. “I thought I might stand there and kind of wave off the first couple, then give them the OK before I throw it. Kind of bleed it a little bit.”
Wearing his No. 99 jersey and removing his hat to wave to the crowd, Hollingsworth did in fact wait for the catcher’s signal and soak in the moment. Then he wound up with his right, and delivered a perfect strike in front of his two grandchildren.
Take a look:
Mr. Chester Hollingsworth, #USNavy, WWII #Veteran, and celebrating his 💯 th birthday, throws out first pitch #TEXvsHOU pic.twitter.com/l7qCitGYiy
— Mark (@do_the_posture) September 27, 2017
It’s our honor to have 100 yr old Chester throw out tonight’s 1st pitch. He served in the Navy from 1942-1946. #GreatestGeneration pic.twitter.com/MzbuPlhIOE
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) September 27, 2017
So, how has Chester made it to almost 100 years old? Well, he credits the breakfast of champions.
“Oh, it’s a chocolate covered donut,” he revealed to WFAA. “Chocolate donuts. Heavy on the chocolate donuts.”
Who are we to argue?