Paulsboro teen delivers 1st pitch ball for World Series' Game 5

PAULSBORO Hours before he was set to walk the first pitch out at Game 5 of the World Series, Derrick Segar could hardly contain his excitement.

When asked how he felt about the honor, the 17-year-old covered his mouth with his hand and ducked his head as he laughed.

"I just feel excited about it," Segar said, smiling broadly.

Segar, a junior at Paulsboro High School, was chosen by the Boys & Girls Club of America for the honor of walking the first pitch out at Citizen's Bank Park.

His excitement started when he was told Sunday night that he'd be attending the World Series Game.

"I started running around the house," he said.

Finding out he'd been chosen because of his work with the Boys & Girls Club only added to it, he said.

"It gives me honor," Segar said, "because most kids my age are out on the streets doing whatever. This is another home for me. I can just be myself here and not worry about any problems or negative attitudes."

Segar discovered the local Boys & Girls Club while walking the back route of school seven years ago, he said. He's been coming there every day after school ever since. He started out coming for dinner and homework help and has now taken on a leadership role with the group.

"I help out with the dinner, help kids with their homework and just come here to have a good time," Segar said.

Gerald Hodges Sr., site director of the Paulsboro Boys & Girls Club, said he's equally happy that Segar was chosen for the honor.

"If I would've had to choose, I would've chosen Derrick," Hodges said. "He's here all the time, and you don't have a minute of trouble out of him. If I had to choose a teenager to take from the club, it would've been Derrick."

Hodges was set to escort Segar to the game, which they've both been given tickets to.

Segar said that most of his friends know, as well as his father and grandparents.

"They thought I was lying first!" he exclaimed, laughing.

Segar said he never dreamed he'd get to go to a World Series game, so he can't blame them for thinking that.