Travis Kelce has chance for redemption, throwing out first pitch at Royals game

The first pitch is the worst enemy of every great athlete. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has a chance to redeem himself against the formidable foe next week.

On June 12, Kelce will throw out the Kansas City Royals’ ceremonial first pitch against the Cincinnati Reds. The Royals’ social media team tagged the announcement with one word: redemption. The inside joke gestures to Kelce’s failed first pitch for the Cleveland Guardians in April.

Travis Kelce. First pitch. Monday night.https://t.co/8EG6arZhwo pic.twitter.com/b8dDCFxSHe

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 8, 2023

Kelce’s toss was a catastrophe, barely soaring far enough to escape the NFL star’s shadow. It seemed as if Kelce had spiked one too many footballs, and his muscle memory took over. The embarrassing scene went viral.

Travis Kelce's first pitch was a bit short 😂

(via @PitchingNinja)pic.twitter.com/OZnLDRBF6a

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2023

Kelce’s ego shouldn’t be too fragile. In 10 seasons with the Chiefs, Kelce has been to the Pro Bowl eight times, won the Super Bowl twice and holds the NFL record for the most seasons with 1,000 receiving yards for a tight end.

Judging by first pitches, it looks like Kelce chose the right profession. Yet, earlier this year, Reggie Sanders, who scouted for the Braves from 2002 to 2007, told TMZ Sports Kelce was impressive on the dirt diamond in high school.

“He seemed like a big leaguer on a field of high school players. He looks almost the same size today as he was in high school. I remember writing his report, and I comped him to Josh Hamilton,” Sanders said.

Perhaps Kelce does have a great first pitch somewhere deep in him. After all, the first pitcher jitters have claimed the egos of many great prior athletes, including John Wall, Conor McGregor and, even, Michael Jordan.

That’s right. The man known for his impenetrable mind waved like a leaf when throwing the first pitch at Wrigley Field in 1998; so much for his time in the minor leagues. Perhaps former baseball players should stay away from first pitches.

Unfortunately, Kelce can’t help himself. The Ohio native will throw out the first pitch on Monday while quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid will carry the Super Bowl LVII trophy down a red carpet that runs from the bullpen to the infield. The game begins at 8:10 p.m. ET.