Kansas City, Mo. ? Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday night’s Royals-Boston Red Sox game. His catcher? Ex-Jayhawk and current KU staff member Danny Manning.

“I think he’s the tallest catcher who has ever stepped on a major-league field,” Self said of the 6-foot-11 Manning to Royals’ announcer Bob Davis, also the voice of the Jayhawks.

6Sports video: Self throws out pitch to give Royals luck

“That was weak,” Self said of his pitch. “That would have been good b.p. (batting practice).”

After receiving a mixture of cheers and boos, Self was asked whether the boos were from Missouri fans in attendance.

“Or some Kansas fans that don’t like me much,” Self said with a laugh. “I think there are some Tigers here tonight.”