Matthew Miller, a hero of last summer's Interstate 35W bridge collapse, will throw out the first pitch at the Twins' home opener March 31, the team plans to announce today.
During the initial hours after the Aug. 1 disaster that killed 13, Miller helped save at least eight people, including a family of four from Savage and several of his fellow construction workers.
Miller is a finalist for the first Above & Beyond Citizen Honors for unsung heroes, an award given by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
The award will be presented by retired Gen. Colin Powell next week at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., just outside Washington. It would be the first national recognition for any of the I-35W bridge rescuers.
Miller, 22, is a physical education major at Bethel University in Arden Hills. He will throw the ceremonial first pitch about 6 p.m. Monday, March 31, when the Twins play the Los Angeles Angels at the Metrodome.
CONRAD WILSON
