Denny Hamlin hilariously recalls Bubba Wallace first pitch, 23XI drivers singing at Cubs game

Before NASCAR (literally) hit the streets in Chicago, the 23XI Racing Team partook in some festivities earlier in the week. Denny Hamlin recalled the squad’s trip to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, along with Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and Kurt Busch.

The team jumped at the chance to embrace some of the traditions in the Windy City. The crew threw out the first pitch and also sung during the 7th inning stretch. It was quite the afternoon for Hamlin, Wallace, Reddick and Busch.

On his latest Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin recalled some of the funny moments from the trip to Wrigley.

“We had a little 23XI day there where Bubba threw out the pitch, Tyler caught (the pitch) and Kurt was the ump. So, that was quite the trio,” Hamlin said.

Bubba Wallace throws out the first pitch to Tyler Reddick, with Kurt Busch on the call ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/MiMYiADNzC

— Eric Estepp (@EricEstepp17) June 30, 2023

Things went pretty well for Wallace and the team during the first pitch ceremony. But when it came time for the 7th inning stretch? It was a pretty rough experience.

“People looked at me when they were singing the 7th inning stretch,” Hamlin said. “I mean, as soon as he finished everyone just kind of awkwardly looks … they sucked. They stunk. Evidently, Tyler was pretty nervous about it but I knew when Kurt got up there, he was gonna try to quarterback it.”

Today at Wrigley Field, Kurt Busch and Tyler Reddick led the crowd in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/wUc9zcUoHy

— Jonathan Fjeld (@Jonathan_Fjeld) June 30, 2023

Hamlin also said the 23XI team enjoyed the opportunity to put their cars on display and get more exposure for their squad. So, overall, it was a fun experience.

But those in charge at the Friendly Confines may not ask the team to sing anymore.

Denny Hamlin looking forward to return to Chicago

Although the Xfinity and Cup Series races were cut short due to inclement weather, Denny Hamlin thought NASCAR hit a home run by incorporating the Chicago Street Race into the schedule. He’s already looking forward to a return.

“I couldn’t believe how many people were there,” Hamlin said. “It’s pouring rain, there’s absolutely not a soul there for our intros. I mean, a hundred people I felt like were maybe there. All of a sudden we walk out to get in our cars and it’s like ‘Oh, it’s filling up here. They’re starting to file in. And at the end of the race, I get out of the car and the stands are full. I was like wow. People were committed. Definitely committed to going and that just tells you the enthusiasm at that whole place.”

There was some skepticism about racing in the streets of Chicago — a pretty new venture for Chicago. And even though there were some rough patches on the course (due to weather), it seemed to gain a lot of support.

“We were trying something new and I thought it was a huge success,” Hamlin said. “I really look forward to having the opportunity to come back next year… It seemed like they [Chicago] were really excited to have us there. Definitely hope that we’re able to keep this going for the next two years.”