Chris Singleton, son of Charleston church shooting victim, throws first pitch for Yankees

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The son of Charleston church shooting victim Sharonda Coleman-Singleton was joined by his younger brother and sister to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium Monday night before they took on the Minnesota Twins.

Chris Singleton, an outfielder for Charleston Southern, appeared on the TODAY Show Monday morning. WWE’s John Cena was sitting in as co-host when Alex Rodriguez, Brett Gardner and Dellin Betances walked on set and surprised the 19-year-old.

The Yankees players greeted Singleton and gave him tickets to the game Monday night, even telling him he would be participating in batting practice and throwing out the first pitch. The young man is the first honoree of the Yankees’ 2015 HOPE Week.

Exactly two months earlier, Singleton and his siblings lost their mother during the horrific shooting at Charleston’s Emmanuel AME Church that claimed the lives of nine churchgoers. Coleman-Singleton was a single mom who was as a high school speech pathologist and coach of the girls’ track team.

Dylann Roof has been indicted for murder in the shootings. Singleton made headlines following Roof’s arrest, expressing forgiveness for the shooter.

“When something like this happens, you never think it would happen to you, so I think everybody praying for me has allowed me to be this strong,” Singleton told Cena and fellow host Tamron Hall.

Following the TODAY Show, Singleton was escorted by the Yankees around New York City, visiting landmarks like One World Trade Center.

Before throwing out the first pitch, Singleton had the opportunity to join the Yankees during batting practice. The college athlete even sailed one over the fence, making for a moment he’ll never forget.

According to the Associated Press, when asked what he would remember about the day, Singleton said, “I will remember that I hit a bomb in BP.”

As part of HOPE Week, the Yankees donated $5,000 to the Singleton Memorial Fund at Charleston Southern University and $5,000 to Mother Emanuel AME Church to honor Chris Singleton.