It was Phil Dalhausser's first time to Dodger Stadium. Most people's first time at the stadium involves seeing the Dodgers play while they sit in the stands and enjoy their peanuts. However, Dalhausser, along with fellow beach volleyball Olympians Nicole Branagh and Misty May-Treanor, got to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Dodgers invited the players to participate and, after introducing them, wished them luck in the upcoming competition in Beijing.

May-Treanor and Branagh assumed their positions as honorary umpire and catcher as Dalhausser made his way to the pitcher's mound. His pitch bounced and rolled wide of Branagh's glove, but it was a good effort nevertheless.

"It went off to the side before I could get it," Branagh laughed, "I probably should have sacrificed myself and dove for it."

In Dalhausser's defense, it was probably nerve racking to have to pitch on a real mound in front of thousands. "I got so nervous when I got up there!" he said. "I thought we'd have real catchers, so I was going to throw a hard pitch. But when I realized that it was Nicole with Misty standing right behind her and that Nicole didn't even have a catcher's glove on, I just kind of short-armed it."

All three said that overall, it was a good experience.

"I've never been down on field level before. It was fun and a really cool atmosphere, everyone was wishing us luck," said Branagh.