Travis Kelce is the NFL’s preeminent tight end and a former high-school quarterback, but the Kansas City Chiefs star proved to possess less-than-phenomenal baseball skills when throwing out the first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians’ home opener on Friday.
Appearing with his mother Donna Kelce for the occasion, Travis got a little too flashy with his windup, and ultimately bungled the first pitch, spiking the ball into the ground. After Twitter was set abuzz by the video, he made a point to defend himself on the platform, pointing to his tendency to spike footballs after touchdowns as his only explanation for the embarrassing affair.
Check it out:
Been spiking a football for the past 10 years… can you tell? 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/STEm2nF4pW
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) April 7, 2023
It is never easy to make such an error on camera, but botching a first pitch on opening day in front of tens of thousands of fans from his hometown was sure to be humiliating for the future Hall of Famer.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had his own take on the matter, asking Kansas City’s beloved Royals to give Kelce a second chance at Kauffman Stadium later in the season.
Ayyy @Royals lets give him another chance. ASAP!!! https://t.co/v3RENRzcex
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) April 7, 2023
To his credit, Kelce did manage to cover the runner at home plate. One thing is certain after this catastrophe; the All-Pro tight end made the right call by pursuing a career in football instead of trying to make it in the MLB.
