OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Monday night, fans not only came out to The Ballpark to watch the local baseball team, but also to honor a local legend.

Retired Saco pediatrician Conner Moore, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease five years ago, threw out the pitch Monday night at The Surge’s game against Newburgh Newts during The Ballpark’s Parkinson’s Awareness Night.

Steve Fontaine and George Shabo, who performed the Star Spangled Banner at the game that evening, both had a special connection to Moore.

“You saved my son,” said Shabo to Moore before the game. Shabo said his son was injured many years ago in a car accident. Moore determined that Shabo’s son had a perforated intestine, said Shabo.

“You’re a legend in my family,” said Shabo. “I’m honored to be here

with you.”

Fontaine said Moore was his family’s pediatrician. “He saved my sister’s life,” he said. He said his sister was severely dehydrated, and Moore carried Fontaine’s sister in his arms to the hospital.

Cindy Theberge, Director of the New England Parkinson’s Ride, said she heard several stories about Moore from former patients and their families who came out that night to see the doctor throw the first pitch.

The 8th annual New England Parkinson’s Ride will take place at The Ballpark on Sept. 12. The bicycle ride is a fundraiser for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, supporting research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Last year the ride raised $424,000, said Theberge, and attracted people from 21 states and 2 Canadian provinces.

“They’re making huge strides, which is great,” she said. “It really does make a difference.”

For more information about the ride and how to get involved, go to http://neparkinsonsride.com.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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