Bucs Gameday

Rob Gronkowski Delivers First Pitch at Boston Red Sox Game in Way Only Gronk Could

Gronkowski's first pitch was another classic example of Gronk being Gronk.
Collin Haalboom|
Apr 15, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski throws out a ceremonial
Apr 15, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski throws out a ceremonial | Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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Boston Red SoxTampa Bay Buccaneers

Rob Gronkowski is arguably the greatest tight end in the history of the NFL. But despite how popular he is for his success on the field, Gronk's unique persona and comical antics off the field are almost equally as responsible for his stardom.

Gronk is certainly a fan favorite in Boston and Tampa Bay, having played for both of their NFL teams, but he's generally well-received wherever he goes.

On Monday, Gronk was back in New England for the Boston Marathon. Gronkowski had entered a team in this year's race, which included Tampa Bay Buccaneers' C.O.O. Brian Ford. Gronk had spent some time at the Buccaneers' training facility prior to the race to help guide Ford in a training regiment to prepare for the marathon.

In the afternoon following the race, Gronk made an appearance at Fenway Park where he was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the MLB game between the Red Sox and the Cleveland Guardians. Despite the simplicity of the task, in true Gronk fashion, he managed to do so in a way that has never been done before.

After winding up to throw the pitch, Gronkowski emphatically spiked the baseball into the dirt. It was a symbolic tribute to his famed touchdown celebration, one he's done 93 times over the course of his storied career, the majority of which was spent with the New England Patriots.

The first pitch thrown by Rob Gronkowski is the perfect encapsulation of who Gronk is. A modern-day sports legend who is beloved by fans and teammates alike. He's also the rare example of an athlete who seems to prioritize having fun over anything else. Ultimately, Gronkowski's first pitch was another classic example of Gronk being Gronk.

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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