Former Celtics center Jason Collins will be back in Boston to throw the first pitch at tonight’s Red Sox game against the Texas Rangers. Collins made headlines nationwide in late April when he came out in an interview with Sports Illustrated, becoming the first openly gay male athlete in a major American sport.

In a matter of hours, Collins went from little-known NBA player to national figure. The praise for his decision began immediately, including calls from Oprah Winfrey and President Obama himself.

Collins received support not only from fellow NBA players, but athletes across the various sports leagues – including the entire Boston Red Sox team. As his statement made waves on April 29, the Red Sox tweeted:

In an interview with The Boston Globe, Collins reported that this offer from the Sox was by far the most shocking outpour of support he received in the aftermath of his first-person article. Now, Collins will throw out the first pitch in Fenway’s first ever “Pride Night,” part of the ongoing Pride Week in Boston. Tonight will be Collins’ first visit to Boston since his announcement.

Collins will also march in the Pride Parade on Saturday afternoon, alongside Congressman Joe Kennedy, his longtime friend and college roommate. Collins cited Kennedy as an inspiration for his coming out, and praised Kennedy for participating in last year’s parade during Pride Week in Boston. While playing for the Celtics (before being traded to the Washington Wizards in February), Collins lived on Boylston Street, just blocks from the site of the marathon bombings. The events of Marathon Monday made Collins realize “there are no guarantees in life and that there is no perfect time to do something.”

Not only is this Collins first appearance at a Pride event as an openly gay man, it’s his first appearance at one…ever.

“I don’t know what to expect. I’ve never been to a Pride parade. Joe has told me, ‘Prepare for anything.’ I’m looking forward to a brand new experience and really seeing the community celebrate who we are. That sense of acceptance will be a lot of fun.”

If Collins is looking for an accepting community, he needs to look no further than the city of Boston.

Tonight’s Red Sox game, opening with Collins’ pitch, will begin at 7:10p.m. ET and shown on NESN.

Click here for more information about Boston Pride Week.