Conor McGregor’s Wrigley Field visit offers new challengers for worst first pitch, 7th-inning stretch you’ll see

The Cubs invited MMA legend Conor McGregor to throw the pregame first pitch and sing during the seventh inning stretch Tuesday night. Both went poorly.

Twins_Cubs_Baseball.jpg

MMA fighter Conor McGregor laughs as he tosses the ball in the air after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, in Chicago.

Charles Rex Arbogast/AP Photo

There are obvious reasons why the Cubs would invite mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor to be a guest at Wrigley Field. McGregor, a former UFC champion, is one of the most popular athletes in the world. His antics often stir up attention on social media, where he’s proven masterful at drumming up interest both in and outside of the octagon.

So when McGregor visited the friendly confines as the Cubs’ marquee guest for their matchup against the Twins, it shouldn’t have been surprising that the appearance turned some heads on the internet. McGregor probably wishes it was for different reasons, though.

It started with the ceremonial first pitch, which McGregor nearly threw into the stands following an exaggerated windup.

That should enter McGregor into the Worst First Pitch Hall of Fame alongside luminaries like 50 Cent and Carly Rae Jepsen.

But McGregor’s night wasn’t done there, either. A couple hours later, the Cubs had McGregor sing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” as part of the usual seventh-inning stretch festivities. McGregor, while certainly enthusiastic, proceeded to completely whiff on the tune and several of the lyrics in a rendition that brings back memories of Ozzy Osbourne and Jeff Gordon.

It’s fair to say that McGregor probably has not heard “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” or thrown many baseballs in his life before Tuesday night. The Cubs, meanwhile, lost to the Twins, 9-5.

satchel-price-0.jpg

Satchel Price

Chicago Sun-TimesDeputy director, audience engagement

The Latest
This year’s theme, “Free to Be Proud,” comes amid increasing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community across the nation — including in Illinois, which is largely considered a haven for queer people in the Midwest.
The Cubs took two of three from the division-leading Brewers, but they’re focus at the moment is on surviving a rash of pitching injuries more than it is on the rival that’s always standing in their way.
An “electric outing” got the Sox’ prized second-year righty back on track against the Royals.