A third - generation Marine , Jernigan was serving in Iraq in 2004 when his Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device .
Michael Jernigan of St. Petersburg was a guest of the team and threw out the ceremonial first pitch .
A third - generation Marine , guest was serving in Iraq in 2004 when Michael Jernigan 's Humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device .
Michael Jernigan of St. Petersburg was a guest of the team and threw out the ceremonial first pitch .