Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
With 81 home games in a regular season, plus postseason matchups, teams invite dozens of guests to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Many of them are from the local community, but sometimes they bring out celebrities, ranging from politicians to actors to athletes from other sports. They might even have someone with a divine connection take the mound. Here are 16 unforgettable celebrity first pitches.
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President George W. Bush’s Brave Yankee Stadium Pitch After 9/11
It was barely a month after one of the most horrific days in the nation’s history. The Yankees were in the World Series, and they had a very special guest for the first pitch – President George W. Bush. He had a nation’s eyes on him and a bulletproof vest under his jacket when he strode to the mound at Yankee Stadium. Say what you will about the man’s politics, but he fired a perfect strike amid thunderous applause and “USA!” chants.
Sister Mary Jo Sobieck’s Curveball Miracle
This Chicago nun is a celebrity in her area. She showed no signs of nerves, even snapping the ball off her bicep before delivering a pitch with more swagger than a big leaguer. This was someone with holy heat.
Shaq Throws a Slam Dunk
Shaq played for the Miami Heat for a few years, so it made sense that the Miami Marlins brought in the NBA Hall of Famer to throw out a first pitch. The baseball looked like a ping pong ball in his hand, but he threw a true strike to the catcher. It was much better than his free-throw attempts.
Jerry Seinfeld: “What IS the Deal With First Pitches?”
“Before every game, you have someone go out and throw a ceremonial pitch. You wave to the crowd, and have the starting pitcher, who really wants to start the game, watching you. Me? I had Jacob deGrom standing behind me. No pressure. What is the deal with this? Am I supposed to show the pitcher how to do it? ‘Oh, so I’m supposed to throw it THAT direction? I had NO idea.'” Seinfeld might have had that comedy routine running in his head, but he did great, throwing a strike while wearing a deGrom jersey, and then shook the pitcher’s hand. It was a true Mets moment come to life.
Olympian Simone Biles’ Aerial First Pitch in Houston
Only Simone Biles could turn a ceremonial pitch into a floor routine. She ran out with a fellow Olympian, did a back flip, got the ball and threw a strike to Jake Marisnick. By the way, the ensuing scene was hilarious. The hulking Marisnick made Biles look like a child when the two stood next to each other.
President Barack Obama’s All-Star Lefty Lob
Wearing a White Sox jacket and a relaxed grin, President Obama lobbed the first pitch at the 2009 All-Star Game. It’s not clear whether he stuck to his campaign motto and threw a “change” up.
Goldberg’s Post-Pitch Spear
Wrestler Bill Goldberg’s first pitch wasn’t the most memorable thing. After he threw the pitch, he then got into a stance and delivered his trademark “spear” on someone on the diamond. It’s not clear if he promised to do that to an umpire if they blew a call.
Sarah Silverman Brings the ‘Tude to Toronto
Sarah Silverman wore an outfit that got the attention of nearly everyone at the Rogers Centre. She then delivered a strong first pitch before tossing her glove to the ground and strutting off the mound for a few seconds before running over to pose for pictures. It was the Sarah Silverman Show, indeed.
Actor Bill Murray’s Wrigley Field Joy
Cubs superfan Bill Murray had a blast before this first pitch. First, he took off on a dead sprint, running around the bases before sliding safely at home under the bemused eye of the Cubs player who was going to catch the pitch. He then ran out to the mound amid the crowd’s adulation.
The Mascot Staredown
The Phillie Phanatic always loves to clown around. When another mascot was throwing out the first pitch, he caught it and then had a comedic staredown before running off with the ball.
Ronaldo Excels With Both Hands and Feet
Cristiano Ronaldo, also known just by his last name, was having fun before throwing out the first pitch at a Dodgers game. He was talking with Yasiel Puig and showed him how he could juggle a baseball with his feet as easily as he could a soccer ball. After he threw out the first pitch, he kicked a soccer ball into the stands.
Gronk Does As Gronk Does
All you have to do is say the name “Gronk” to any Boston native, and they will know who it is. Rob Gronkowski took the mound at Fenway Park and played to the crowd a bit before throwing out the first pitch.
Russell Wilson’s “Tryout”
Did you know that Russell Wilson played baseball in the Rockies’ Minor League system? Yep. He played for two years before switching to the NFL. The quarterback, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, threw out the first pitch at a Mariners game when he was with the Seahawks. True to form, he threw a strike.
Sarah Shahi’s Enthusiasm
Sarah Shahi, who was on shows like “Person of Interest,” had a blast throwing her first pitch. She jumped up and down like she had thrown a no-hitter and jumped into the arms of the player who caught it.
Lea Thompson Comes Back From the Future
At the “Big Slick” celebrity charity softball game in Kansas City, Lea Thompson was brought near the mound by a DeLorean. She might not have thrown a pitch at 88 miles an hour, but she hit her target. Great Scott!
Kaepernick Throws Heat
Colin Kaepernick showed that he still had a strong arm when he threw out the first pitch before a Giants game. He nearly ripped the glove off Sergio Romo with his heat.