Field of Dreams, First Pitch, and Fireworks: Pete Cartwright's Comeback

Pete Cartwright, honored as a recipient of the Wish of a Lifetime from AARP, had a remarkable experience when he threw his first pitch at an Astros game.

"Life or limb."

Those were the words that echoed in Pete Cartwright's mind—words no one ever wants to hear. At 67 years old, the longtime North Carolina resident was forced to make an unimaginable decision: lose his arm or lose his life. Despite pleading with doctors for more options, the choice became heartbreakingly clear. Pete chose life.

On September 27, 2024, he underwent his first round of surgeries. Just over a month later, on November 1, Pete's left arm was amputated. His world was changed forever.

But this is not a story of loss—it's a story of resolve, of the power of community, and of a love for the game that never faded.

Pete's baseball journey began long before that hospital room. Raised by his adoptive father, a Fire Battalion Chief and baseball coach, Pete was introduced to the sport at a young age. Though playing didn't quite stick, the seeds of a lifelong passion had been planted. Years later, in 1992, a friend suggested umpiring as a side hustle while Pete was raising a family with his first wife. He took a chance. That "side hustle" would go on to define the next 30 years of his life.

Umpiring was more than just a job for Pete—it was a rush. The thrill of the call, the sound of a perfect strike, the joy of watching young players chase their dreams. And sometimes, those dreams took them all the way. Pete still lights up when he recalls calling games at Old Dominion University, especially the one where a young Justin Verlander—now #35 for the San Francisco Giants and former Houston Astros player—took the mound. "Memories like that," Pete says, "they never get old."

When Pete was facing the reality of losing his arm, he assumed his time on the field was done. But his umpire family had other plans. "You can still work the bases," they told him. "We'd rather have you on the bases than anyone else." Their unwavering belief in him sparked a renewed sense of purpose.

Thanks to a partnership between AARP Texas and the Houston Astros, now in its sixth consecutive year, Pete was honored on the field at Daiken Park. Nominated by his loving wife through Wish of a Lifetime from AARP, Pete was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Standing beside him were his wife, daughter, and granddaughter—three generations beaming with pride.

It was more than just a pitch; it was a celebration. Pete met Orbit, the beloved mascot of the Astros, threw the ball to Colton Gordon, the starting pitcher. He even got a close-up view of the team's Tiffany & Co.-designed championship belt. As fireworks lit up the sky that night, Pete was a symbol of resilience.

"This was the perfect day," his wife Kathi Cartwright said smiling. "He is so happy."

Rosalinda Martinez, Interim State Director, and Jennifer Barerra Wandrey, Outreach and Advocacy Associate State Director, both oversee the Astros partnership on behalf of AARP Texas and said it's moments like these that drive their work.

"There's always a deeper story behind every first pitch," said Rosalinda. "That's what we look for, stories that deserve to be celebrated, lives that should be honored."

Last year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, AARP Texas honored the legendary "Chicano Squad"—the first Latino homicide detective unit at Houston Police Department—by having Jose Selvera throw the first pitch. These tributes connect generations through history, culture, and the love of the game.

Pete Cartwright's story reminds us that while loss can change our path, it doesn't have to end the journey. With heart, hope, and a field of dreams, Pete proved that the game isn't over—it just looks a little different. And that's where legacy begins.