This article first appeared on www.telegraph.co.uk
The prince was given the honour usually reserved for presidents, politician and pop stars but did not disgrace himself despite his initial fears.
When asked how he felt before making his way to the pitcher’s mound the 25-year-old royal replied “don’t ask”, then joked “can I have a practice first?”.
Pointing towards his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton he said: “He wants to bat against me.”
The prince appeared a little apprehensive when he finally walked out in front of the crowds and prepared to throw the ball to the catcher at the New York Mets’ Citi Field stadium in the suburb of Queens.
But he received a rapturous welcome from the near capacity audience of around 40,000 people who applauded and cheered as the prince was introduced.
He pointed at the Mets catcher Rod Barajas as if to warn him about the thunderbolt about to come his way.
Harry was wearing the local team’s blue baseball cap and a T-shirt supporting the Walking with the Wounded expedition.
The fundraising trek, which has Harry as its patron, will take a group of injured British servicemen on a gruelling trek to the North Pole next year.
The 25-year-old royal wound up his right hand to deliver the ball to Barajas, who was standing just behind home plate, and as he let go the pitch slammed into the sportsman’s glove and the crowd cheered wildly.
The prince took his cap off and wiped his brow in relief before running down the mound to shake hands with the catcher.
VIDEO: Click here to watch the Prince in action…Nice pitch! Atta boy Harry!