Recovering Grapevine officer throws out first pitch

ARLINGTON - A Grapevine Police officer, who nearly died in a 2017 motorcycle crash, had the honor of throwing the first pitch for the Texas Rangers Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, nearly a year later. 

Escorted by his daughter, and fresh off his 10th surgery since the accident, Senior Officer RJ Hudson stepped onto the pitcher’s mound at Globe Life Park in Arlington. His wife and daughter joined him at the game, along with hundreds of other law enforcement members, for a night dedicated to their service.

October 19th, 2017; Hudson was patrolling on his motorcycle when an SUV driver swerved to avoid road debris and crashed into him. Hudson suffered more than two-dozen broken bones and internal injuries, which were followed by more than a month in the hospital.

The day before Thanksgiving; dozens of his fellow officers lined the exterior of Baylor Scott and White Medical Center to see Hudson off and wish him well. For that gesture and countless others, Officer Hudson says he is grateful.

"It's overwhelming. The amount of support that I've gotten from my department is just unparalleled. I can't say enough good things about the department or the way that they've treated me or the way that they've supported me and to see that continue in them coming out to watch me throw out the first pitch is just fantastic,” he said.

Everyone at the Saturday night game received a blue commemorative Law Enforcement Appreciation ball cap featuring the signature Texas Rangers “T” over a silver stripe.

Officer Hudson says he’s happy to be where he is in the recovery process and hopes to be patrolling on a police motorcycle once again, within the next year.