Spacewalker Takes Beloved New York Yankees Into Outer Space

Atlantis mission specialist Garrett Reisman is taking his beloved New York Yankees into outer space with him as he begins the first of three spacewalks planned during the shuttle's weeklong mission at the International Space Station.

Stitched to a quick reference notebook strapped onto his wrist is the familiar New York Yankees logo.

An avid fan and a native of Parsippany, N.J., Reisman is making a return visit to the station. He was a flight engineer on the Expedition 17 crew back in 2008. For that increment at the outpost, Reisman brought along a sample of dirt from the Yankee Stadium pitcher's mound, a Yankees banner and a Yankees hat

He also clocked 17,500 mph fastball during a ceremonial opening pitch from space when the Yankees played the rival Boston Red Sox in April that year. The pitch was staged on the station and video of it was played on the scoreboard at the game.