In a display of sporting versatility, the celebrated UFC superstar Conor McGregor made an appearance at a Chicago Cubs game in 2021 to throw the ceremonial first pitch. However, like many celebrities before him, the Irish superstar struggled to get the ball to travel in a straight line.
As he took to the mound, the crowd held their breath, eager to witness the precision and power that had made McGregor a household name in combat sports. Alas, the expectations were not met as the pitch left his hand, curving erratically towards the side of the plate.
Check out Conor McGregor's ceremonial MLB throw here:
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Before the match between the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins, 'The Notorious' was invited to perform the time-honored tradition of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field. However, true to his bold and unpredictable character, the pitch lacked precision and control, soaring high and wide of its intended target, and ricocheting off the wall in a display of reckless abandon.
Conor McGregor's effort on the ceremonial first pitch eventually sparked similarities to one of the most controversial tosses in history: rapper 50 Cent's disastrous pitch in 2014. While McGregor's throw also missed its mark, the Irishman's impressive strength and athletic prowess set him apart from his musical counterpart.
In contrast, 50 Cent's throw lacked the force and accuracy of McGregor's, and the rapper was later forced to offer an explanation for his errant pitch, claiming that he had lost his grip on the ball.
Watch the American hip-hop artist's screwball pitch:
The ceremonial first pitch is a tradition that has been fraught with danger for many a celebrity, as countless high-profile figures have faltered on the mound in front of thousands of fans. Among them are the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Curtis Jackson, and Kim Kardashian, whose attempts on the pitch were less than perfect.
Conor McGregor's infamous NFL throw
Conor McGregor's lackluster performance during the ceremonial first pitch at a Cubs game is not the first instance of the Irish superstar struggling with an American sport. In 2018, McGregor attempted to throw a football before an NFL game, but his efforts fell short of expectations.
McGregor's foray into American football proved to be a step too far, as the former two-division UFC champion struggled to make an impact during a pre-game toss before a Dallas Cowboys match.
As a guest of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, 'Mystic Mac' was given the opportunity to show off his skills before the team's match against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, his lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the intricacies of football were on full display as he awkwardly tossed the ball with little control and fell backwards in the process.
Check out McGregor's failed NFL throw here: