Stabbed former Galveston Marine throws first pitch at Astros game

Philip McCulloch attacked, stabbed in September outside Galveston bar

HOUSTON – It was a big night for Philip McCulloch, a decorated former Marine from Galveston who threw out the first pitch at Tuesday night's Astros game.

A big feat for anyone, but especially for the former sergeant, who after a vicious attack last September wasn't expected to live.

As Local 2 reported in September, McCulloch was viciously attacked and stabbed by another man outside a Galveston bar. He almost died that night and ended up with 38 staples in his neck. He also had nerve damage to his arm so bad, doctors said it might take up to four years to regain full use.

But 10 months later it's the same arm he used to throw a pretty good first pitch.

"They told me two years or so, three years until my arm would be better," said McCulloch. "I'm not at a year yet, and I'm throwing a baseball at an MLB game. So, I'm pretty excited."

It was a big moment for McCulloch and his family -- including his father Phil Sr., who is also a former Marine, reflecting on all his son has endured since that vicious night in September.

"That was hard," said Phil Sr., choking back tears. "It was very hard for me because of the pain that my family endured. Mostly his mother. It was hard, so it's a glorious moment."

McCulloch Jr. said he will undergo a few more surgeries in the next few months to continue his healing process. He said he then plans to create a nonprofit to benefit the veteran community.


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