T.J. McConnell throws out first pitch at Indians game on ‘T.J. McConnell Night’

The Pacers point guard drew a huge crowd at Victory Field, signed autographs for more than an hour, and connected with his Pittsburgh roots.

Hundreds of fans were lined up outside Victory Field, a ballpark in downtown Indianapolis, more than an hour before gates opened.

When they did at 5:30 p.m. ET, fans mostly dressed in blue and gold made their way inside and formed a line next to a red and black tent.

Standing underneath it, behind a table with a black cloth, was Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell. He was being celebrated Wednesday night at the ballpark — it was “T.J. McConnell Night.”

“Signing here about six years ago, you obviously hear about this and you see players come through,” McConnell said an hour later, shortly before throwing out the first pitch. “Just being my first time here and (the Indians) inviting me here is special.”

It was especially meaningful because the Indians are the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates — McConnell’s hometown team.

McConnell played baseball until sixth grade, then decided to focus on basketball. That’s the family sport: his dad coached, other relatives coached, his uncle is an official, and his sister is now a rookie playing professionally.

It’s been a short summer for everyone involved with (and covering) the Pacers given that their season last until the very last date possible in late June. Now two months later, McConnell and his family have returned to Indy after summer break.

His oldest son, Trace, is in school now. He’s four years old.

“Happy to be back,” McConnell said. “And my family loves it here.”