Alvin Kamara's disastrous first pitch at Wrigley Field prompts do-over
- Alvin Kamara threw the first pitch at Wrigley Field, but it fell drastically short of expectations.
- Kamara's initial pitch required a do-over, which he successfully completed despite still not being perfect.
- The incident highlights the pressures athletes face beyond their professional sports and how even stars can experience failures in public.
On July 5, 2025, Alvin Kamara, a prominent running back for the New Orleans Saints, participated in a ceremonial first pitch event at Wrigley Field in Chicago, where the Chicago Cubs faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals. Wearing a Cubs jersey with his name and number, Kamara's attempt to throw the first pitch was notably unsuccessful, as it veered wildly off course, landing approximately 45 feet from home plate and nearly outside the left-handed batter's box. This misfire drew the attention of the Cubs' mascot, Clark the Cub, who made a remarkable effort to catch the errant ball before it rolled away. Unimpressed with his initial throw, Kamara requested a second attempt. This rare opportunity allowed him to redeem himself to some extent. Although his follow-up throw was still a bit off the mark, it did make it to home plate, garnering a mixed reaction from the crowd, which included booing from Cubs fans. After the better second pitch, Kamara celebrated by raising his arms and embracing the mascot in a moment of light-hearted triumph. Despite being a celebrated athlete known for his skills on the football field, Kamara's experience with baseball did not yield the expected results. The scene showcased the pressure of participating in ceremonial events like throwing a first pitch, where success is celebrated, but failure can lead to embarrassment. This incident drew comparisons to past well-known figures in sports and politics who struggled with similar ceremonial pitches, emphasizing the daunting aspect of live athletic performances outside of their professional domains. The New Orleans Saints, who have relied heavily on Kamara’s athletic prowess throughout his eight-year NFL career, had expected him to handle the event with more finesse. As the Cubs prepared for their game against the Cardinals amidst a backdrop of excitement, Kamara's efforts reinforced how even elite athletes can occasionally misfire in front of a crowd. Kamara will be a key figure for the Saints in the upcoming season as they navigate changes in their roster, particularly following the retirement of quarterback Derek Carr earlier this offseason, creating a new dynamic within the team's strategy heading into training camp. The Cubs ultimately lost the game to the Cardinals with a score of 8-6, which highlighted a challenging day for the team overall as they faced off against their rival.