after the end of the 2009–10 season, stevens and butler continued to attract considerable attention. president barack obama personally called stevens to congratulate him on butler's season. david letterman had stevens on his show for a guest appearance. butler admissions inquiries increased by 67%. stevens received fan letters from around the world, and his phone rang off the hook. he was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the chicago cubs vs. florida marlins game in chicago on may 10. "it's all been very surreal," stevens said. "if you are the runner-up, you don't expect to talk to the president." "it's been a little overwhelming, because i'm a pretty simple guy," he added.