Brian Grant Takes The Mound (UPDATED with a "Never Mind")

The Portland Beavers have had added a nice touch to next Wednesday's Triple-A All-Star game in PGE Park — ex-Portland Trail Blazer Brian Grant will was going to throw out the first pitch.

Grant, who recently revealed he had Parkinson's disease, is a fan favorite for Portlanders who remember him well as a stand-up guy on and off the court during his stint with the Blazers from 1997 to 2000.

Beavers owner Merritt Paulson said yesterday that Grant, who's been working this summer with Greg Oden, is "comfortable" throwing the baseball. Grant has said he intends to be a visible spokesman in the fight against the disease.

UPDATE: Beavers spokesman Chris Metz called at 10 am Thursday to say that a scheduling conflict has arisen and Grant will now not be available to throw out the first pitch.