Christopher Culkins receives a signed ball from Red Sox Legend Johnny Pesky. (Courtesy photo)

When his mother Karen gave him a choice between reading a book and entering an essay contest about good sportsmanship to fill some of his free time, nine-year-old Christopher Culkins chose to write about his experience playing Little League baseball. The 100-word essay Culkins wrote won the grand prize in a contest sponsored by Bay State Parent magazine, and gave him the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in the Lowell Spinners sold-out game against the Aberdeen Ironbirds Thursday, August 23.

Interviewed over Labor Day weekend, Culkins talked about what it was like to take the mound in front of thousands of people. “It was really fun,” he said. “It felt like everyone around me was cheering for me.” Friends and family in the stands held up signs supporting his effort, he added.

Christopher shows off his signed baseball. (Courtesy photo)

Culkins, the son of Karen and Michael Culkins of West Bare Hill Road, entered the third grade this year. He credits his second-grade teacher, Mrs. Hopkins, for teaching him good writing skills. Writing about sportsmanship was a natural fit for him, his mother noted, since baseball is his favorite sport. With his father as assistant coach, Culkins also pitches for his Little League team.

Red Sox great Johnny Pesky followed Culkins to the mound to throw out the official first pitch, stopping afterwards to autograph a ball for him. Meeting the legendary shortstop and third baseman, who will soon celebrate his 88th birthday, was one of the best parts of the whole experience, Culkins said.