When Jim German stepped onto the field at the Syracuse Mets game last Wednesday, the crowd might not have known the full story behind the man winding up for the ceremonial first pitch. But for Jim, that moment was more than just a toss—it was a celebration of life, legacy, and love.

“I wanted to put a little spin on it,” Jim said with a grin, recalling the pitch. “I figured, why not have a little fun with it?”

Representing Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as a proud Medicare member and the father of a Syracuse-based employee (Robyn Smith, senior community investment & partnerships lead), Jim stood tall on the mound, flanked by two of his great-grandchildren—Violet and Kenny—beaming in the summer sun. The moment captured more than just a pitch; it captured a lifetime of stories.

A Life of Service and Family

“At the present time, I’m heading for 85 at a rapid pace,” Jim chuckled. “My wife and I have a rather large family. We have four children, 13 grandkids, and three great-grandkids. When we all get together, we take up a lot of space.”

Jim’s journey began with service. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy right after high school. “That was a real experience,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I would do it all over again.”

After his military service, Jim found his calling in the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for 28 years. But perhaps his greatest partnership began just before that—with Nancy, his wife of nearly 61 years. “On June 27, we’ll be married 61 years,” he said proudly. “She’s been my lifetime partner.”

Finding the Right Fit with Excellus BCBS

When Jim and Nancy needed a new health insurance provider, they turned to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Our former insurance company stopped covering government employees,” Jim explained. “With Robyn’s help, we went looking for what health insurance option was best for us.”

They found what they needed—and more—with Excellus BCBS. “We needed coverage for doctors, hospitals, but most of all, prescriptions. We decided Excellus was best for us. We were correct. And best of all, the premiums were within our fixed income and budget.”

Support That Matters

As the primary caregiver for his wife, Jim knows the importance of reliable health care. “Health care is incredibly important,” he said. “Excellus BCBS allows me to focus on my wife and ensures we receive the health care we need and the service we deserve.”

That support has been more than just financial. “We’ve used customer service a few times for a doctor’s charge we didn’t understand,” Jim shared. “Our concerns are always handled in a professional and courteous way. The problems were solved without any strain.”

One standout moment came when a specialist’s office repeatedly sent duplicate bills. “One call to Excellus was all it took,” Jim said. “All in all, I would recommend Excellus to anyone looking or needing health insurance. They are easy to work with and handle all my concerns in a positive and helpful way.”

Due to hearing loss, Jim often uses TTY/TDD services when connecting with Customer Care — a detail that underscores the importance of accessibility and thoughtful service.

A Legacy in Motion

As the sun set on that Syracuse baseball field, Jim’s pitch may have lasted only seconds—but the story behind it spans generations. With Violet and Kenny by his side, Jim wasn’t just representing Excellus BCBS. He was representing a life well-lived, a family deeply rooted, and a future full of hope.

And yes, he definitely put a little spin on it.