Jorge L. Ortiz

USA TODAY

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Giants have embraced Bryan Stow ever since he sustained the brutal beating that left him with brain damage, and Saturday he was accorded a special duty.

Stow yelled out "Play ball'' before Game 4 of the World Series between the Giants and Kansas City Royals.

The former paramedic from Santa Cruz, Calif., called out the words from a wheelchair to a nice ovation from the crowd at AT&T Park.

"We are so thrilled to be here tonight," said Ann Stow, Bryan's mother, in a statement released by the Giants. "This is the first World Series game that Bryan will be able to remember since his accident. (Bryan attended Game 2 of the 2012 World Series). He is so appreciative of all the support Giants' fans have shown him throughout this journey. He feels like he is part of the team."

Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt was alongside Stow, who was beaten in a Dodger Stadium parking lot after opening day of the 2011 season. Affeldt has become a friend and benefactor of the Stow family, while third-base coach Tim Flannery has played concerts to help defray the cost of his extensive care.

Stow, 45, is living with his parents but also requires professional caregivers to help him with daily functions.