Bryan Stow speaks on field before World Series game 4 (video)

Bryan Stow, the Northern California firefighter and San Francisco Giants fan who suffered brain damage in a beating at Dodger Stadium in 2011, fired up the fans with a brief address at AT&T Park before tonight's World Series game. He welcomed fans to the World Series and proclaimed "Play Ball," to a nice ovation. The Giants in uniform with Stow are third-base coach Tim Flannery, whose rock band has raised a lot of money to assist with Stow's rehabilitation, and pitcher Jeremy Affeldt. This is the first time I have seen Stow speak clearly since the attack — I'm shocked and happy to see he has come this far.

"We are so thrilled to be here tonight," Ann Stow, Bryan's mother, said in a statement released by the Giants. "This is the first World Series game that Bryan will be able to remember since his accident. 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."

The Giants went on to win 11-4, evening the series with the Kansas City Royals at 2 wins apiece.

From February: Stow family coming to LA for plea deal