JON SWARD | The New Mexican
August 28, 2004 

ALBUQUERQUE -- Athens gold medalist Misty May stood near the home dugout at Isotopes Park on Friday night, trying to let the weight of her newfound celebrity sink in. 

Only three dizzying days removed from winning the Olympic gold medal in women's beach volleyball at the 2004 summer games, May -- who was in Albuquerque to catch up with her fiancé, Isotopes catcher Matt Treanor -- was the center of attention as she waited to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. 

Sporting her trademark Oakley sunglasses, but minus the Nike two-piece bikini that she and teammate Kerri Walsh helped popularize at the Olympics, May signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans while wearing her gold medal. She even found time to joke with the Isotopes' mascot, Orbit. 

Then May approached the mound, and the crowd of 10,452 at Isotopes Park cheered wildly. 

With her gold medal draped around her neck, May threw out the first pitch to Treanor, and then breathed a sigh of relief. 

"This was just as nerve-racking -- throwing out the first pitch -- as playing the other Americans in the Olympic semifinal match," said May afterward, only half-joking. "I was just hoping that I didn't throw it over (Matt's) head, which I almost did." 

This was just the latest stop in a post-victory whirlwind tour for May, who flies to Miami today to present an award with Walsh at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, and she will also appear on the Jay Leno Show on Monday. 

She and Walsh are scheduled to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Ellen Degeneres show in the coming weeks. 

For May, the taxing schedule is the price to be paid for her recent Olympic success. 

"I just got in last night, and I spent 15 minutes signing autographs after my flight got in," said May. "It's amazing, just walking in the hall (at Isotopes Park) today we got stopped by like five people who were like, 'I saw your match, congratulations.' " 

However, despite the increased attention from TV shows, media and fans, May -- who will wed Treanor in November -- said she can afford to be more laid back now that the Olympics are over for her. 

"Now I can have two beers at the game," said May, who has regularly visited Isotopes Park this year to see Treanor play. "Before the Olympics, I would only allow myself to have one beer." 

Unfortunately, May couldn't provide the good luck charm needed to snap the Isotopes' losing streak to Colorado Springs, which was extended to four games with Friday's 10-2 defeat. 

It was the 13th loss in 16 games for the Isotopes (63-71), and sixth in seven games against the Sky Sox. Albuquerque was officially eliminated from playoff contention on Thursday, and is in last place in the Pacific Coast League's Central Division. They are 111/2 games behind division-leader Iowa. 

Treanor, who was called up to the Florida Marlins the Isotopes' major league parent club between June 2 and August 1 this year, went 1-for-2 for with a two-run home run and two walks. 

With only 10 games left on Albuquerque's schedule, May knows she will get to spend some quality time with her main man soon. 

"Now that the Olympics are out of the way, I can focus on the wedding," said May. "That's what's next." 

More gold is on the way.