LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two Louisville kids took the mound this past weekend to throw out the first pitch for the Cards, thanks to Kosair for Kids.

Rory McGrath, 10, and Eli Taylor, 14, threw out the first pitch before UofL baseball's Friday and Saturday games at the Shriners Children's College Showdown in Arlington, Texas.

McGrath was born with spina bifida and is a double leg amputee. Taylor has down syndrome.

Both Kosair Kid All-Stars are baseball fans, and started honing their hitting and pitching skills at UofL's indoor facility at Jim Patterson Stadium in preparation for the their big moment.

Behind the plate for McGrath before Friday's game was her twin brother, Declan.

"(It) made me feel good," she said. "I couldn't do it without my brother."

"It was amazing," Rory's mom, Megan McGrath, said. "She did a great job. She tried really hard, and she got it there."

Taylor had his mom with him behind the plate before Saturday's game.

"I'm trying to hold back tears," Sandy Taylor said. "You just don't imagine when you get a diagnosis at birth that things are going to happen, and this has just been wonderful."

In addition to having the honor of throwing out the first pitch, the two got an all-access experience with their families, time with UofL's baseball team and a chance to enjoy the stadium's amenities.

Louisville opened the season at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, for the Shriners College Showdown.

Kosair for Kids helps 200,000 children across Kentuckiana each year. The nonprofit celebrated 100 years of service in September 2023.

To learn more about Kosair for Kids, click here.

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