12 Ceremonial First Pitches That Should Never Have Happened

Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin

Let’s be honest—throwing out a first pitch comes with a lot of pressure. While many celebrities on this list are used to performing in front of large crowds, some are ordinary people. Still, these are the moments that made both the crowd at the game and viewers at home say, “What was that?” Here are 12 unforgettable first pitches:

Mary Ruich’s 2019 White Sox First Pitch—Direct Hit on the Team Photographer

Yes, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That pitch is about to nail the photographer. Lifelong White Sox fan and stadium employee Mary Ruich was honored with throwing the first pitch in 2019. Unfortunately, it went wrong for both her and White Sox photo intern Darren Georgia. Her pitch veered way off course and hit Georgia, who had set up off to the side. Luckily, it struck his camera and not him, but it was certainly a jarring moment. Fortunately, both were able to laugh it off and even gave interviews together about the unusual situation.

Carly Rae Jepsen’s Epic Bouncer Heard ‘Round the Ballpark

Pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2013 first pitch for the Tampa Bay Rays bounced not once, but twice, skittering closer to home plate and putting her in the running for “Worst First Pitch of All Time.” The Rays’ scouts did NOT tell her to “Call Me Maybe.”

50 Cent’s Wildly Wide Throw—Somewhere Near Queens

In 2014, rapper 50 Cent stepped onto the mound at Citi Field to throw out the first pitch while pitcher Jon Niese stood off to the side. Although he’s a left-hander, he might have been better off throwing righty. His pitch was so off target, it nearly left Queens and wound up in Manhattan. Afterwards, both he and Niese could do nothing but laugh.

Michael Jordan Throwing An Air Ball

Michael Jordan was a legendary basketball player, and he actually didn’t hit too badly during his stint in the White Sox minor league system. He’d even thrown out a first pitch in 1993 that looked good. But this one in ’98, during the one-game playoff with the Giants… woof. It sailed wide to the right, past Sammy Sosa. Fortunately, the two could laugh about it right afterwards.

Jordan Leandre’s First Pitch Hits The Wrong Target

Yes, this photo is a horror story for all men. That pitch really is about to hit that poor photographer exactly where you think it’s headed. Jordan Leandre, who benefited from The Jimmy Fund as a child, returned 10 years later to throw out the first pitch. He was even a pitcher in high school. He looked mortified, but fortunately, everyone was okay.

Taylor Lewan’s “Worst Day” Whiff in St. Louis

Former NFL tackle Taylor Lewan joined another former player, Eric Cowan, to throw out the first pitch. As he later told the story, he was so confident he would throw a heater for a strike. It didn’t work out—his pitch sailed wide left, and the catcher nearly jumped out of the frame trying to get it. Lewan was so frustrated he started doing pushups right there on the field. To add insult to injury, Cowan followed him by throwing a perfect strike.

Conor McGregor Shows Why He Is Better as a Fighter

As you can tell, this is NOT Conor McGregor. Do you think I’d risk angering a man who could kick me through a wall? Instead, here’s a photo of the Cubs mascot to represent where McGregor’s first pitch ended up.

Astros Girl’s One-Hop Wonder Captivates Houston

This is one of those moments you can’t help but feel bad for the person involved. Much like Mary Ruich, this Astros fan was chosen to throw out the first pitch—maybe she won a contest. Whatever the case, it was the stuff of nightmares: she wound up, let it fly, and spiked the ball right in front of the mound. She was so mortified, Orbit the mascot had to hug her to console her.

Miss Texas’ Sparkling Crown and a Not-So-Sparkling Throw

At a 2014 Rangers game, Miss Texas took the mound wearing her sparkling crown. She decided to show off her balletic form with an underhand throw. The problem? Her release point was way off—see that white spot under the “U” in “Gulf”? That’s the ball. Still, she handled it like a pageant pro, smiling and waving for the cameras as she walked off for her photo op.

Tiffany Stratton’s Viral Miss at the Mets Game

WWE’s Tiffany Stratton windmilled her arm for the Mets’ first pitch in 2025, but the ball took a wild detour that left fans and players in stitches. Even she had to laugh at her new “highlight reel” moment.

Baba Booey Hits The Umpire

Of course, the man who executive produced “The Howard Stern Show” would find himself at the center of an uproarious moment. Gary Dell’Abate, known as “Baba Booey,” took the mound before a Mets game while pitcher John Maine waited. He wound up and threw a pitch that was nowhere near the strike zone—it hit the home plate umpire, who was probably thinking, “BOOOOOOOO!”

Megan Thee Stallion’s Houston Heat and Hip-Hop Flair on the Mound

Megan Thee Stallion, wearing a uniform with “222” on the back, took the mound for a 2023 game in Houston to throw the first pitch. She stood with her back to the mound for a few moments, soaking in the atmosphere, until a staffer reminded her there was a timer running. She then turned around and threw a pitch that bounced to the left but was still caught. She can twerk like no other, but her fastball could use some work.