Flushing 6th-Grader Throws 1st Pitch At Shea
BY DAN MILLER

Marques Seme is greeted by Mets catcher Paul LoDuca after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Mets-Nationals game on September 25.

Marques James Seme, an 11-year-old sixth grade student at P.S. 200 in Flushing, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of seven, was selected by GHI to throw out the first pitch at the Mets-Washington Nationals game at Shea Stadium on Tuesday September 25. Seme took the mound, cheered on by his mother, Cheryl Tellis, his uncle, Carlton J. Tellis, his cousin, Quincee Tellis, John Dalmolin, his fifth grade teacher at Seme's previous school, P.S. 14, The Fairview School, in Corona, and several members of his sixth grade class at P.S. 200, and threw a strike to Mets starting catcher Paul LoDuca.

Seme equates the game of baseball with having Tourette. "Every day I have to make it to first base (classes), second base (school cafeteria), third base (school bus), then home before releasing all my tics," he said. "Sometimes it's hard to eat out in public or go to the movies because I'm nervous about my tics. But with the support of my family and friends I have helped a lot of people understand Tourette Syndrome, including some people who used to mock me."