Joe Maddon Needed THREE Attempts to Throw an Acceptable First Pitch

I haven’t yet gotten an opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before a Cubs game yet, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Ask me to play catch with you, and I’ll throw the ball around for an hour. Put me on a mound, with a camera, and 30-40K fans … and I’m spiking that ball straight into the ground – or worse.

But if that happens, at least I can say I’m not alone. Even Cubs Manager Joe Maddon needed THREE tries to make his ceremonial first pitch at the Little League Classic game this weekend all the way to the catcher on a fly.

Check it out:

Looks like he let the pressure exceed the pleasure.

written by

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 6, Brewers 5 – May 4, 2024

Thank goodness for the power today, and the Patrick Wisdom insurance run late. The Cubs needed every bit of it, and the game ended with the tying run on second and lead run on first. Exhale. Jameson Taillon was brilliant,...

Feeling for Alzolay But Also Needing to Figure It Out and Other Cubs Bullets

May the Fourth obviously has Star Wars on the brain, which makes me want to watch something Star Wars-y today. The very best thing is probably 'Andor,' but I keep resisting re-watching it until we're MUCH closer to season two...

Nico Hoerner with the Lead-Off Homer!

That's how you start the day, my friends. Ni-co, we-go: https://twitter.com/CubsZone/status/1786824886956036172 That's Hoerner's first homer of the year, and hopefully it'll stand up a little better than yesterday's solo homer from Christopher Morel for a 1-0 lead ... https://twitter.com/Taylor_McGregor/status/1786824978710630498

Cody Bellinger *AND* Seiya Suzuki Might Be Back VERY Soon

Well isn't that just wonderful news. As the Cubs took the field before today's game for warmups, some positive news dripped out. Jordan Wicks was playing long toss (amazing, love to hear that), Justin Steele was throwing a bullpen (a...

Matt Mervis Demoted to Triple-A Iowa

Although this was absolutely warranted, how can you not be disappointed. After a second, golden opportunity to prove that his fantastic Triple-A numbers would translate to the big leagues, Matt Mervis has come up short and is headed back to...

Chicago Cubs Lineup: A New DH

CUBS LINEUP — I don't disagree - at all - that the Cubs have a bullpen (and specifically, an Adbert Alzolay) problem at the moment. But it's really hard for me to even think about the bullpen when the Cubs...

HOLY WOW: Marlins Reportedly Trading Luis Arraez to the Padres

LUIS ARRAEZ TRADED — Never underestimate the aggressiveness of Padres President AJ Preller or the willingness-to-be-awful of the Miami Marlins. Tonight, those two forces came together to deliver - by far - the biggest, early-season trade I can remember. Luis Arraez...

Final Update: Carlos Zambrano is NOT Pitching in the WBC

Ah, technology. I have no idea why this post, and it's twin are showing up as posted on New Year's Day, 1970. So we'll let the mystery linger. Finally we get word from Zambrano, himself, that he will not be...

Final Update: Zambrano Not Pitching in WBC

Finally we get word from Zambrano, himself, that he will not be pitching for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, despite Venezuela's stated belief that he is. I'd love to find out the details from behind the scenes as to...

Mark DeRosa is an Indian, Aaron Miles is a Cub

By now you've heard the twin pieces of news buzzing around the 'net today (aside from the imminent Marquis-to-Rockies deal and the probably-going-to-sign-Milton-Bradley news). Mark DeRosa has been dealt to the Indians for a trio of ho-hum minor league pitching...

Latest News

Yankees vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Aiming for a series sweep, Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (22-13) face the Detroit Tigers (18-15) on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 PM ET.Find out how to watch the New York-Detroit matchup below.When...

How to Watch Pirates vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

The Pittsburgh Pirates (14-19), led by Bryan Reynolds, host Ryan McMahon and the Colorado Rockies (8-24) at 1:35 PM ET on Sunday.The article below will give you everything you need to know to watch Pittsburgh play Colorado.When is Pirates vs....

How to Watch Twins vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

The Minnesota Twins (18-13), led by Ryan Jeffers, host Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (18-15) at 2:10 PM ET on Sunday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Minnesota take on Boston live.When is...

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 6, Brewers 5 – May 4, 2024

Thank goodness for the power today, and the Patrick Wisdom insurance run late. The Cubs needed every bit of it, and the game ended with the tying run on second and lead run on first. Exhale. Jameson Taillon was brilliant,...

There We Go … Lonzo Ball Exercised His Player Option

Lonzo Ball picked up his player option for the 2024-25 season, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. All things considered, this might as well be the most obvious transactional news of the season. Ball had to choose between making $21.4 million next...

Nico Hoerner with the Lead-Off Homer!

That's how you start the day, my friends. Ni-co, we-go: https://twitter.com/CubsZone/status/1786824886956036172 That's Hoerner's first homer of the year, and hopefully it'll stand up a little better than yesterday's solo homer from Christopher Morel for a 1-0 lead ... https://twitter.com/Taylor_McGregor/status/1786824978710630498

Top Player Prop Bets for Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Western Conference Semifinals Game 1 on May 4, 2024

Nikola Jokic and Anthony Edwards are two of the players with prop bets for the taking when the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves meet at Ball Arena on Saturday (at 7:00 PM ET).How to Watch Nuggets vs. TimberwolvesDate: Saturday,...

Cody Bellinger *AND* Seiya Suzuki Might Be Back VERY Soon

Well isn't that just wonderful news. As the Cubs took the field before today's game for warmups, some positive news dripped out. Jordan Wicks was playing long toss (amazing, love to hear that), Justin Steele was throwing a bullpen (a...

Matt Mervis Demoted to Triple-A Iowa

Although this was absolutely warranted, how can you not be disappointed. After a second, golden opportunity to prove that his fantastic Triple-A numbers would translate to the big leagues, Matt Mervis has come up short and is headed back to...

Braves vs. Dodgers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, May 4, 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers (21-13) will look to Andy Pages, after his four-hit game last time out, to lead them in a matchup with the Atlanta Braves (20-10) on Saturday at 9:10 PM ET on SportsNet LA. The Dodgers are...

more cubs news