Tuesday's game at Progressive Field wasn't just another matchup in Major League Baseball; it was a spectacle highlighted by the presence of Cleveland's own Machine Gun Kelly, also known by his real name Colson Baker. The Chicago Cubs faced off against the Cleveland Guardians, but the real star of the evening was the multi-talented artist who lent his fame to amp up an already eagerly anticipated event—the annual "MGK Day."
As thousands poured into the stadium, the first 10,000 attendees were greeted with a special treat—a custom 27 Club Coffee bag. For those unfamiliar, 27 Club Coffee is a coffee house in Cleveland owned by none other than Machine Gun Kelly himself. The coffee house's enigmatic charm lies in its nod to the '27 Club,' a group of iconic musicians who tragically passed away at the age of 27. Machine Gun Kelly's establishment has quickly become a local favorite, blending the artist's unique blend of edgy and eclectic into every cup.
The game kicked off with a ceremonial first pitch, a tradition that has seen the likes of celebrities from various fields either soar or falter on the mound. Colson Baker’s attempt was memorable, though not in the way he might have hoped. With a nervous but enthusiastic wind-up, his pitch ultimately soared over the catcher and into the stands, joining the ranks of other famously errant first pitches. Iconic moments like 50 Cent's wild throw or Mariah Carey's high heels-induced blooper inevitably come to mind, securing Machine Gun Kelly's place in this humorous hall of fame.
Not all athletes-turned-ceremonial-pitchers experience such mishaps. Gymnastics wonders Simone Biles and Suni Lee have both managed to integrate their athletic prowess into their pitches, proving that skill on other fields of play can translate to the diamond. However, Baker’s entertaining pitch mishap added a playful twist to the evening, proving that sometimes, the attempt itself is what fans cherish most.
Beyond the theatrics of the pitch, the game continued with the high energy typical of a Guardians-Cubs matchup. Yet, the ambiance, charged with the spirit of "MGK Day," brought an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. The celebration of a local hero who has made substantial contributions not just to music and acting, but also to the community with endeavors like 27 Club Coffee, speaks volumes of the bond between Cleveland and Machine Gun Kelly.
Fans in the stands were a testament to Baker's broad appeal, sporting a mix of Guardians gear and Machine Gun Kelly merchandise. As the game unfolded, the festivities did not overshadow the athletic competition, but rather accentuated the sense of community and entertainment that baseball at Progressive Field is all about.
Ultimately, "MGK Day" served as a reminder of how interconnected sports, music, and community engagement can be. The day was more than just a baseball game; it was a celebration of a local celebrity giving back to the city that helped craft his persona. Whether through the musical intros on the stadium speakers or the camaraderie among fans donning MGK-inspired swag, every moment reinforced the shared experience of Cleveland pride.
As the echoes of cheers and laughter slowly faded from Progressive Field, attendees left with more than the memory of a baseball game. They took with them a piece of the unique Cleveland culture—a culture where a hometown hero like Machine Gun Kelly can step up to the mound, throw a pitch into the stands, and still unite a community through sport, music, and a darn good cup of coffee.