Chase Briscoe, NASCAR driver and Pocono Raceway winner, took the mound at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Thursday to throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Cubs game against the Cleveland Guardians, fulfilling a childhood ambition. This unique moment allowed Briscoe to combine his passion for baseball with his successful racing career, as Chase Briscoe threw the first pitch at Wrigley, making it a reality.
Briscoe Realizes a Longtime Dream at Wrigley Field
Growing up in Mitchell, Indiana, Briscoe was captivated by two aspirations: pitching in the major leagues and driving cars in NASCAR. On Thursday evening, he found himself on the historic mound at Wrigley Field, participating in the pre-game tradition before one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic matchups. For Briscoe, this was not just another night at the ballpark—it marked the fulfillment, at least in part, of one of his earliest dreams.
Since his formative years, Briscoe’s love for baseball was genuine and deep. He recounted memories of mimicking the batting stances of his favorite players with the help of his parents. Years later, he expressed his disbelief that those youthful days, filled with backyard games and major league dreams, would lead him to such a renowned baseball venue.
“If you woulda told me 20-25 years ago when I was having my mom and dad pitch to me so I could copy 15-20 different players batting stance that I’d be doing this, I wouldn’t believe you,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
“Played a ton of baseball growing up so this is super cool.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
A Racer with Baseball in His Blood
Though most fans now know Briscoe as the driver of the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing, he grew up with a strong attachment to baseball, envisioning a future on the diamond long before he turned to the racetrack. Briscoe shared that he dreamed of becoming a pro baseball player and reflected fondly on spending countless hours in his youth developing his game.
“I grew up playing baseball and loving baseball. Truthfully, my passion was to be a professional baseball player. For me to be able to go there, and throw out the first pitch is going to be really, really special. So looking forward to the opportunity. It is going to be neat.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Briscoe didn’t start racing until he was 11, making baseball his primary interest during his earliest years. He particularly loved the Chicago Cubs, drawing inspiration from the likes of Sammy Sosa and Gary Gaetti, and often selected the Cubs while playing MLB video games.
“I didn’t really start racing until I was 11, so all I did growing up was play baseball,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
“I wouldn’t say I’m a Cubs fan now, but as a kid, I loved the Cubs. I loved Sammy Sosa, and Gary Gaetti played there.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Cherishing Childhood Allegiances and New Connections
Despite living near Cincinnati, Briscoe was drawn to the Cubs rather than the Reds, especially during his formative years. This affection extended into his favorite pastime, as he always chose the Cubs in his baseball video games.
“I loved the Cubs for whatever reason. When I’d play my MLB video game, I would always pick the Cubs,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Returning to Wrigley Field as a guest of honor had unique meaning for Briscoe. He highlighted the special nature of the ballpark and its history within the sporting world.
“It is going to be really cool to go to such an iconic place like Wrigley.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Yet, for this game, Briscoe’s allegiances leaned toward the Guardians—he explained that some of their players are NASCAR fans and have become friends.
“The Guardians (are) the team that I’m closest to now,”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
“A couple of their players are huge NASCAR fans, so (I) get texts from them almost every single week. It is going to be cool that it just so happens that the Cubs are playing them. They are all going to be there too, so it will be nice to see some friends for sure.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Approaching the Pitch with Confidence and Nostalgia
Celebrity and athlete first pitches are often memorable, but Briscoe chose to rely on his previous baseball experience rather than worry about stage fright or embarrassing throws. He openly stated that he didn’t spend time preparing his fastball but planned to trust his baseball instincts from his youth.
“I’m just going to go there and let her rip. I played enough baseball growing up that I feel like I’m going to be alright.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
Reflecting on the novelty of the moment, Briscoe joked about the risks of reliving his youth in front of thousands of fans and a national television audience.
“I’ll just maybe throw my arm out, that’s all.”
—Chase Briscoe, NASCAR Driver
The Lasting Significance of Briscoe’s Wrigley Moment
Chase Briscoe’s ceremonial pitch at Wrigley Field brought his childhood memories full circle, bridging his passion for baseball with his achievements in NASCAR. During a week already marked by his Cup Series win at Pocono Raceway, this appearance added another dimension to Briscoe’s story, showing fans another side of the accomplished driver and reinvigorating ties with the broader sports world. For Briscoe, standing on Wrigley’s storied mound was more than a lighthearted break from racing—it was the fulfillment of a dream and a reminder of the extraordinary journeys sports can inspire.
