Watch Hall of Famer Ben Wallace Throw Out First Pitch in Retro Chosen Ones
It's been over a decade since NBA Hall of Fame legend Ben Wallace defended the paint on the hardwood, but he's still loved by Detroit sports fans. Recently, he was honored by the city to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Tigers' home opener on April 6.
And he rocked a pair of his favorite white and blue basketball sneaker: AND1's Chosen One.
LEGENDS 🥹
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) April 6, 2023
Miguel Cabrera joins Ben Wallace, Calvin Johnson and Nicklas Lidstrom in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. #RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/HBMhw4Vbpv
The momentous occasion was a tribute to Wallace’s achievements as a basketball player and his contributions to the Detroit community.
Wallace, who spent nine seasons with the Pistons, was a fan favorite during his time in Detroit. Wallace’s impact on the city went beyond basketball, as he was also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting youth programs and providing aid to families in need.
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Wallace is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in the history of basketball. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches tall, Wallace was known for his incredible athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and tenacity on the court.
Despite being undersized for his position, Wallace's remarkable work ethic and determination made him a formidable opponent for any player he faced. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team six times and was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, (he and Dikembe Mutombo are the only two players in NBA history with four Defensive Player of the Year awards) cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant defenders in basketball history.
More: Streetball legends and Ben Wallace at the AND1 30th anniversary streetball party.
Ben Wallace and the Chosen One
The man was a monster on the court, and his impact on the game - as well as AND1 - cannot be overstated. Big Ben was THE dominant defender during Detroit's 2004 NBA Championship run, all while wearing the Chosen One.
The Chosen One was designed with aggressive blocking and powerful aesthetics, a nod to the big man's 10,482 career rebounds and 2,137 career blocks, good for 14th all time.
The retro basketball shoe is available for purchase now, in 3 classic color-ways: white, blue, and red.
Choose your legacy and grab your pair today.
Note: This article was originally published on April 13, 2023. It was updated on April 24, 2023.