99-year-old Albuquerque man throws first pitch at Isotopes game

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque man who has lived nearly a century says he’s not slowing down anytime soon. The World War II veteran just celebrated his 99th birthday and on Tuesday threw the first pitch at the Isotopes game.

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Ted Rush was born in Chicago during the Great Depression in 1925. Rush said he remembers his family working hard to make sure they always had food on the table. “My mom would go shopping, she’d walk a mile, save a penny. I had a paper route”, said Rush.

When Rush turned eighteen, he joined the Marine Corps in 1943 and participated in the World War II invasion of Okinawa. After his service, Rush studied music at Roosevelt and Northwestern University.

In 1951, Rush and his wife were offered music teaching positions in Albuquerque, which he said he wasn’t very familiar with. “Not a thing I said, Albuquerque, where the hell is Albuquerque?” said Rush.

Rush taught at four schools across the city before retiring at fifty-eight. That’s when he joined the Albuquerque Senior Softball League playing until he turned ninety-three.

Now Rush has dedicated his time to coaching the Senior Softball League. On Tuesday, Rush was recognized at the Isotopes game throwing out the first pitch. Rush said he doesn’t plan on slowing down and says the secret to a long happy life is to keep moving. “Do things, don’t sit home and feel sorry for yourself.  Go out take trips,” said Rush.

Rush said he will continue coaching if he reaches 100 years old. He said he would celebrate as usual with family and food.

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