With the 2026 MLB regular season entering its final week and the postseason just around the corner, attention will soon turn fully towards the race for the World Series.
Set to be shown live on SPOTV NOW, the 2026 postseason will begin with the Wild Card Series on September 29, followed by the Division Series from October 3.
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But before the playoffs begin, the regular season has produced plenty of memorable moments away from the diamond too, with stars from football, basketball, Hollywood and other industries making special guest appearances at ballparks across the league.
Here are some of the notable ceremonial first pitches from the 2026 MLB regular season.
Ferran Torres
Fresh from helping Spain win the 2026 FIFA World Cup by scoring the winning goal, Ferran Torres swapped football for baseball when he visited Yankee Stadium in August.
The then-Barcelona forward wore a Yankees No. 7 jersey before throwing the ceremonial first pitch to shortstop Jose Caballero ahead of New York’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 4.
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USMNT
The United States men’s national team received a special welcome at T-Mobile Park during their memorable World Cup campaign on home soil.
The entire squad were introduced on the field ahead of the Seattle Mariners’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 3, just days before the USMNT faced Belgium in the World Cup round of 16.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was given first-pitch duties and delivered a strike to Mariners manager Dan Wilson.
Tony Hawk
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk made a hometown appearance at Petco Park late in the regular season.
The San Diego native, widely regarded as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Padres faced the Miami Marlins on September 18.
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Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart arrived at Yankee Stadium with some new silverware to celebrate after helping the New York Knicks end their 53-year wait for an NBA championship.
They received a standing ovation before both threw ceremonial pitches ahead of the Yankees’ 10-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on June 17.
Their appearance came on the eve of the Knicks’ championship parade in New York following their Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
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Azzi Fudd
One of basketball’s biggest young stars made her MLB appearance just days after taking the next step in her career.
Azzi Fudd, an NCAA champion and the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Fudd then headed to Globe Life Field on April 28 to throw the first pitch before the Texas Rangers hosted the New York Yankees.
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Ke Huy Quan
Hollywood also made its way onto an MLB mound when Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan visited Dodger Stadium.
Best known for roles in Everything Everywhere All at Once, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies, he threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 23.
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Jang Won-young
K-pop met MLB when IVE visited Citi Field during the New York Mets’ series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jang Won-young, one of the six members of the South Korean girl group, was given the honour of throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the game on July 26.
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Alex Pereira
UFC star Alex Pereira showed off a different kind of throwing power during a visit to Yankee Stadium.
The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion stepped onto the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Yankees faced the Texas Rangers on May 5.
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Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett wasted little time embracing Los Angeles following his blockbuster move to the Rams.
Just days after arriving from the Cleveland Browns, the NFL defensive star visited Dodger Stadium and fired a strike from the mound before the Dodgers faced city rivals the Los Angeles Angels on June 6.
Garrett also paid tribute to Los Angeles sporting icon Kobe Bryant by wearing a T-shirt featuring the late Lakers legend for his first pitch.
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Rey Mysterio and Rey Fenix
WWE stars Rey Mysterio and Rey Fenix received first-pitch duties on a fitting stage as MLB returned to Mexico.
The two Mexican wrestlers threw ceremonial first pitches ahead of the opening game of the Mexico City Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu on April 25.
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