The pitcher's mound is a stage, a very different stage from the one rappers and singers are accustomed to standing upon. The ceremonial first pitch is ostensibly a celebration, and throwing the ball 60 feet in a particular direction may not seem like much of a challenge. But much can go wrong.
From Kendrick Lamar to Snoop Dogg to MC Hammer to 50 Cent (!), here are 20 hip hop artists who took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.
Kendrick Lamar | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2015
While many first pitch throwers stand in front of the rubber, Kendrick opted to stand behind it. His motion and velocity are respectable, just enough to get the ball to the plate.
Got eeem. @kendricklamar pic.twitter.com/VBJExn2a58
Chance the Rapper | Chicago White Sox | 2014
This is a terrible first pitch but all is forgiven after Chance's celebration.
Wale | Washington Nationals | 2013
Take notes: this is a textbook ceremonial first pitch. Run out, don't milk it too long, exert your presence on the mound, throw a strike.
Nelly | St. Louis Cardinals | 2013
Nelly actually used to play baseball, but you wouldn't guess it from his first pitch, in which he mixed signals with his catcher David Freese. "I thought it was a pitchout," Nelly explained afterward. "The pitchout was called!"
Big Sean | Detroit Tigers | 2011
Disappointing showing from Sean Don. You know it's gonna go badly when he's taking lessons on throwing motion and grip right before he's set to take the mound. And despite the low quality of the pitch, you'd of guessed Sean had just waxed a game-winning three by the way he steps back and nods his head.
Macklemore | Seattle Mariners | 2014
Docked points for taking a selfie and shaking off the catcher signs, but the man threw a strike (according to Macklemore's Instagram, the pitch traveled 38 MPH).
Snoop Dogg | Chicago White Sox | 2012
Also: Toronto Blue Jays | 2015
Two solid showings from Snoop even though he was probably blunted on both occasions.
Kid Cudi | Cleveland Indians | 2014
Might be the worst first pitch here if it weren't for Curtis Jackson. It looks like Cudi was heaving a wounded duck. Fortunately no one was there to see it.
Trey Songz | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2014
Some nice movement from Trigga Trey... forkball?
Common | Chicago White Sox | 2015
The crowd booed him... rightfully so.
Lil Jon | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2013
Also: San Diego Padres | 2015
Lil Jon's first pitches are not quite as good as lineup annoucing (which is incredible). His wind-up involves lots of rocking back and forth. The result is a kind of modified eephus pitch.
Said the Padres announcers of Lil Jon's throwing motion: "no one's perfect."
Drake | Cleveland Indians | 2011
One of the better first pitches. Competent throwing motion, strike, celebrates with the quite first pump. Cargo shorts!!
Drake says he used to be good at baseball, and it's believable from the pitch but you can tell he wasn't all that by the interview -- he says he had a "decent arm", and played right field (where they put the bitches), and declining to give his career batting average.
Infinity SoAwesome | Oakland Athletics | 2013
Maybe the most touching first pitch here, because it was undoubtedly one of the shining moments for the "Moving Like Bernie" rapper. His pitch is juuuuuuuuust a bit outside! But he redeems himself with a celebratory bernie.
Bun B | Houston Astros | 2014
The Trill OG has thrown out the first pitch on multiple occasions for his hometown Astros.
Ne-Yo | Chicago White Sox | 2012
Surprisingly decent effort from Ne-Yo.
MC Hammer | Oakland Athletics | 2012
Arguably the best pitch here -- certainly the hardest thrown. Hammer has a fucking cannon.
Biz Markie | Oakland Athletics | 2014
The walk to the mound almost did ol' Biz in... pitch a bit lackluster, but his pitcher's scowl was top notch.
Salt N Pepa | Miami Marlins | 2015
Salt actually killed it. Pepa not so much.
Big Boi | Chicago Cubs | 2013
Many rappers lose their swagger as they walk to the mound -- not so with Big Boi, who is clearly in his element despite a mediocre pitch.
50 Cent | New York Mets | 2014
The undisputed GOAT rapper first pitches.