Tyrese Haliburton, the talented guard for the Indiana Pacers and a two-time NBA All-Star, is set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field before the highly anticipated matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs. This event marks a significant moment for Haliburton, who has chosen to represent the Cubs, a decision that has drawn attention given his Wisconsin roots.
Originally, Haliburton had received invitations from both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs to participate in this ceremonial honor. However, the Wisconsin native decided to accept the Cubs' offer, stating, "I got asked by both, I had to pick one. And the Cubs just made more sense." This choice underscores his connection to the Midwest and the significance of the Cubs in the baseball landscape.
Haliburton's decision to throw the first pitch at a game involving the Brewers, his childhood team, adds an intriguing layer to the story. Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Haliburton grew up supporting the Brewers, who are located just 90 miles from his hometown. Despite this connection, he opted for the Cubs, a choice that has been met with curiosity and discussion among fans and analysts alike.
During an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Haliburton humorously acknowledged his current standing with Wisconsin sports fans, saying, "I'm not really welcome in Wisconsin as much these days." This comment references a past incident where the Brewers reportedly rescinded their invitation for him to throw out a first pitch at American Family Field last season. This decision came after Haliburton's dramatic game-winning shot in overtime eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks from the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, a moment that solidified his status as a rising star in the league.
Haliburton's relationship with the Brewers took a turn after that playoff series, leading him to embrace a more playful stance on his fan allegiances. He has since expressed that he feels like a "free agent" when it comes to supporting baseball teams. He noted, "I was a Brewers fan and then I was supposed to throw the first pitch last summer, and they X’ed that after the playoff series. So I said, ‘You know what? I’m no longer a Brewers fan.’" This lighthearted banter reflects his unique position as a professional athlete navigating fan loyalty.
As Haliburton prepares to take the mound at Wrigley Field, he is also gearing up for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. In the previous season, he showcased impressive statistics, averaging 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per game while shooting 39% from beyond the arc on 562 attempts. His performance played a crucial role in leading the Pacers to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series.
Haliburton's first pitch at Wrigley Field not only highlights his connection to baseball but also serves as a reminder of the intertwining narratives between professional sports and personal loyalties. As he steps onto the mound, fans will be eager to see how this NBA star performs in a different arena, further bridging the gap between basketball and America's pastime.
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