UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Luther College's Chris Norton throws out the first pitch at Saturday's Minnesota Twins baseball game

Luther College junior Chris Norton threw out the first pitch Saturday at the Minnesota Twins game in Minneapolis.  

Norton said before the game, "Honestly, I'm just worried about getting the ball somewhat toward the catcher...and I hope the fans in the bleachers won't be too hard on me."

Norton was nominated for the honor by Mayo Clinic of Rochester, where he spent seven months in therapy following a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed in 2010.  Doctors estimated his chances of ever regaining movement below his neck at just 3 percent.  But due to his resolve and his rigorous five hours per day schedule of physical therapy Norton has already far surpassed those expectations. He recently stood on his own for more than seven minutes, and he is able to walk with assistance.

The ceremonial first pitch was also a chance for Norton to publicize his new SCI CAN Foundation, which is raising money to buy recumbent bicycles that people who have suffered spinal cord injuries or have multiple sclerosis can use during their physical therapy.  Because Norton was covered by the NCAA's health insurance policy, his therapy was able to include a $25,000 bike--but many other patients are not as fortunate.

A "Decorah Ride" on Sunday, September 30th will raise money to buy a bike to be given to Winneshiek Medical Center and be used in Northeast Iowa.