Justin Rose at Wrigley Field. Chicago Cubs/PGA Tour
Throwing out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game is a great honor. It’s also potentially a giant trap.
From 50 Cent to Carly Rae Jepsen, the list of celebrities who have failed miserably in front of millions of people is long. And their efforts — if you can even call them that — live in Internet infamy.
Justin Rose was obviously well aware of that when he took the mound at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Tuesday night. The former World No. 1 is in town for this week’s BMW Championship as he tries to capture a second FedEx Cup. But first, he attempted a ceremonial toss before the Cubs took on their crosstown rival White Sox. And … he did fairly well. Have a look for yourself:
The jersey looks good on you, @JustinRose99.
A successful first pitch to kick off the week @Cubs ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/DmOXYiMkUs
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 16, 2023
Not too shabby — especially since Rose actually threw from the mound unlike most. It should be no surprise that a past US Open champ wanted a little extra challenge. And who knows? That could have even been called a strike if this guy was behind the plate:
Might be worst one I’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/n93qUq0GKs
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) August 16, 2023
But our favorite part of the clip is Rose’s reaction to rewatching his pitch moments after. The Brit offers a slight cringe before consoling himself by saying: “It’s not making viral embarrassment.”
Rose is right about that. And while that’s a low bar to clear, in this case, it’s an important one. So congrats to Justin on a job (well?) done. Mission accomplished.