Taylor Lewan’s ceremonial first pitch was a disaster—but it was the kind of disaster that unites sports fans in laughter
More importantly, it showcased how public figures can turn moments of failure into opportunities for connection and comedy.
And while Donald Trump’s brutal roast may have added an extra sting to the embarrassment, Lewan’s reaction was pure class—leaning into the moment, owning it, and reminding fans that even elite athletes are human too.
In an era where image is often curated and sanitized, Lewan’s authenticity stands out.
From pancake blocks on Sunday to pushups on the mound, he’s proven that true strength isn’t about throwing a perfect pitch—it’s about being strong enough to laugh when you don’t.
While Taylor Lewan’s ceremonial first pitch might have missed its mark physically, it hit home emotionally. In an age where public figures often run from embarrassment, Lewan did the opposite—he faced it, made light of it, and turned it into a relatable moment.
Yes, the haters had a field day. But so did Lewan, in his own way. After all, not every athletic endeavor needs to end in victory. Sometimes, the real win is in how you bounce back—and maybe throw again.
Also Read: Taylor Lewan: What Happened To Him? Weight Loss Journey, Career, Bio and More
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Taylor Lewan’s Humbling First Pitch Goes Viral
A Star Athlete’s Unlikely Blunder
On Thursday evening, Busch Stadium played host to a ceremonial first pitch that quickly turned from tradition to trending topic.1
Former NFL star Taylor Lewan, a three-time Pro Bowler and a dominant presence on the offensive line for nearly a decade, took center stage before the St. Louis Cardinals faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The expectation? A solid, maybe even impressive, throw. The reality? A pitch so wildly off the mark it prompted the athlete to punish himself with on-field pushups.
The ceremonial first pitch, a staple of pregame festivities, is rarely about perfection. But when a high-profile former NFL star steps onto the mound, fans naturally expect a certain level of athletic competence.
Unfortunately for Lewan, his throw missed home plate by a wide margin, sparking laughter, memes, and commentary from fans and pundits alike.
Interesting… https://t.co/sYi8Mxa54T pic.twitter.com/yrcP2YMRUv
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) June 11, 2025
Redemption on the Horizon?
Some fans are already calling for Lewan to get a second chance. Social media campaigns and light-hearted petitions have popped up, encouraging the Cardinals or another MLB team to invite him back for redemption.
Whether or not that happens remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Lewan’s pitch—and the hilarious fallout—has cemented its place in ceremonial pitch lore.
Given his personality and sense of humor, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lewan took the mound again with a plastic tee, a baseball glove sized for a child, and maybe even a coach standing behind him.
He may have missed the plate, but he hit a home run with fans who appreciated his humility and comedic timing.
Taylor Lewan’s Immediate Reaction
Pushups and Playful Embarrassment
Taylor Lewan is no stranger to spotlight or self-deprecation. After delivering the misfire, Lewan removed his cap in frustration and dropped to the grass, launching into a quick set of pushups in front of a laughing crowd.2
It was a humorous, self-aware reaction that showed his ability to poke fun at himself.
The former Tennessee Titans lineman later joked on social media and through his podcast Bussin’ with the Boys that the pitch was not his finest athletic moment.
He leaned into the meme, inviting followers to enjoy the moment rather than run from it.
An Unexpected Critic: Donald Trump Chimes In
While the crowd at Busch Stadium may have laughed and moved on, one high-profile figure did not.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump allegedly confronted Lewan about the throw in a private meeting, and according to the retired NFL star, the moment was as surreal as it was stinging.
Recounting the interaction on Bussin’ with the Boys, Lewan shared Trump’s pointed remarks:
“He goes, ‘You call yourself an American? Thought you guys were a big strong man. Looks like you are a little boy that can’t throw a ball, are you?’”
The encounter continued with Trump reportedly scoffing at Lewan, delivering a brutal “You’re not good enough” before walking away. Lewan laughed while retelling the story, but his final comment—“Remember, at least you’re not me… because I’m in hell”—showed just how deeply the moment stung.
Taylor Lewan’s Football Journey
From the NFL Draft to Retirement
Before the first pitch fiasco and Trump’s criticism, Taylor Lewan was best known as one of the NFL’s most dependable offensive tackles.3
Drafted 11th overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2014, the University of Michigan standout quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Titans’ offensive line.
Though listed mistakenly in some circles as a linebacker, Lewan played exclusively on the offensive line, tasked with protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes for running backs. His physicality, technique, and vocal leadership made him a fan favorite in Tennessee.
Across nine seasons, Lewan played in 105 games and started 100 of them, logging nearly 6,000 offensive snaps. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016, 2017, and 2018 and helped stabilize a Titans team that grew into playoff contenders during his tenure.
The End of an Era: Injury and Retirement
Lewan’s football career came to an abrupt end in 2022 following a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season.
In February 2023, he officially announced his retirement, citing both the injury and a desire to pursue new opportunities beyond the gridiron.
While the abrupt ending was tough, Lewan left the game with his head held high. He transitioned seamlessly into media, co-hosting Bussin’ with the Boys with fellow former NFL player Will Compton.
The show quickly gained traction, known for its locker room banter, big-name guests, and honest reflections on life during and after football.
A Personality Larger Than the Game
Lewan has always been more than just an athlete. With his tattoos, unfiltered humor, and larger-than-life personality, he embraced his role as an entertainer both on and off the field.
Whether trolling fans on social media, sparring playfully with teammates, or now reflecting on embarrassing first pitches, Lewan has shown a willingness to be vulnerable, real, and engaging.
His willingness to share even humiliating moments—like being roasted by a former President—has endeared him to fans who appreciate authenticity over image.
The Ceremonial First Pitch Curse
- Lewan isn’t the first athlete to suffer from the ceremonial first pitch curse. Throughout the years, countless celebrities and former athletes have embarrassed themselves on the mound.
- From 50 Cent’s famously off-target toss at a Mets game to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s shaky pitch during the pandemic, the tradition is littered with misfires.
- Throwing from a major league mound is harder than it looks. The distance is intimidating, and the crowd’s energy adds pressure. For non-baseball players—no matter how athletic—it’s a reminder that each sport has its own unique demands.
- Since retiring, Taylor Lewan has continued to grow his media presence. Bussin’ with the Boys is one of the most popular athlete-led podcasts, regularly featuring stars from the NFL, UFC, and entertainment world.
- Lewan’s insight, charisma, and unfiltered takes make him an engaging host and a rising star in sports media.
- He’s also dabbled in brand partnerships, motivational speaking, and community involvement, using his platform to connect with fans and give back to causes he cares about.
- While football may be behind him, Lewan’s second act is just getting started.
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Taylor Lewan: Fans Reaction
Mixed Responses, But Mostly Laughs
Unsurprisingly, fans on social media had a field day with Lewan’s pitch. Reactions ranged from good-natured teasing to outright mockery.
Memes, video edits, and sarcastic tweets flooded timelines, with some joking that he threw like he had never held a baseball before.
Still, many fans appreciated how Lewan handled the fallout. His willingness to own up to the moment, rather than make excuses, earned him some respect. In an era where athletes often push back against criticism, Lewan’s self-deprecating humor was refreshing.
Cardinals Suffer a Loss—Adding to the Pain
To make matters worse for Lewan, the Cardinals didn’t give him anything to cheer about on the field. The team fell 5-2 to the Toronto Blue Jays, adding insult to injury.
Lewan had shown up to support the home team, but instead left Busch Stadium with two Ls—one from the mound, and one from the scoreboard.
The game was a tight one until late, but the Blue Jays capitalized on opportunities and silenced the crowd in St. Louis.
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From Football Star to Internet Punchline
While Taylor Lewan’s athletic legacy in the NFL is solid—he was one of the top offensive linemen in the league during his prime—his baseball cameo will now live in internet infamy. It’s a reminder that athletic excellence in one sport doesn’t always translate to others.
Plenty of athletes have struggled on the mound before. Remember 50 Cent’s historically bad first pitch? Or Carly Rae Jepsen’s bounce that barely reached the plate? Lewan now joins the club of high-profile figures who have failed to impress with a baseball in hand.
Redemption Tour? Lewan Wants Another Shot
Despite the embarrassment, Lewan didn’t end the night sulking. In fact, he called for a shot at redemption, tweeting that he’d like a second chance.
Whether or not the Cardinals—or any other MLB team—will grant him that opportunity remains to be seen. But Lewan’s response signals he’s not backing down. He wants to show fans that he can do better, and maybe even laugh at himself in the process.
Taylor Lewan’s Legacy: Not Defined by One Throw
For all the jokes and gifs, Taylor Lewan’s career won’t be defined by one errant pitch.
His NFL journey, marked by Pro Bowl nods and leadership on the Titans’ offensive line, speaks for itself. He was a tough, vocal presence on the field and remains a charismatic figure off it.
Now retired, Lewan has embraced podcasting and media appearances, showing a fun and candid personality that fans appreciate. This incident, while embarrassing, fits into that larger picture—a former athlete who can laugh at himself and connect with people beyond the sport.
Lessons from the Mound: Not Every Throw Is a Win
If there’s one takeaway from Taylor Lewan’s ill-fated first pitch, it’s that vulnerability—especially when handled with humility—can be surprisingly powerful.
Sure, it was a bad throw. Sure, he became the butt of some jokes. But the way he responded revealed something more important: character.
Lewan didn’t blame the mound, the ball, or the moment. He owned it. He laughed. He moved on.
And maybe, just maybe, he’ll get his second chance to throw a strike.
Celebrity First Pitches: A Risky Tradition
Lewan’s pitch is just the latest in a long line of ceremonial misfires. From politicians to pop stars, the tradition of inviting celebrities to throw first pitches is a gamble.
When it goes well, it creates a feel-good moment. When it doesn’t, it often becomes a viral sensation—for all the wrong reasons.
The growing popularity of these pitches as social media content means every throw is scrutinized more than ever. Even for seasoned athletes like Lewan, the mound can be an unforgiving place.
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