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Brendan Hunt brought Coach Beard energy to Wrigley Field tonight. The ‘Ted Lasso’ star and Chicago native threw out the ceremonial first pitch at tonight’s Cubs-Reds game. Hunt’s moment on the mound carried extra meaning for the Emmy-winning actor who has called the North Side home his whole life.
🔥 Quick Facts
- First Pitch Thrower: Brendan Hunt, co-creator and star of Apple TV+’s hit series ‘Ted Lasso’
- The Game: Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs on May 4, 2026 at Wrigley Field
- Weather Delay: First pitch moved up to 6:10 PM CT due to potential rain, but Hunt delivered with a solid throw
- Chicago Connection: Hunt grew up on the North Side and attended Cubs games from age 4 with his sister in the bleachers
Coach Beard Takes the Mound at Wrigley
Brendan Hunt stepped onto the historic Wrigley Field mound moments after the stadium cleared from a rain delay. The Chicago-born actor carried a lifetime of memories with him. Walking through Wrigley’s iconic gates felt like coming home.
Hunt executed his role flawlessly, delivering a ceremonial first pitch that energized the crowd. The moment represented far more than just baseball tradition. It was a homecoming for an actor who co-created and stars in one of television’s biggest hits.
Brendan Hunt throws out first pitch at Cubs game in Chicago today
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From Bleachers to the Mound: A North Side Story
Hunt’s connection to Wrigley Field runs deep. The Chicagoland native spent countless childhood Saturdays dropped off by his mother at 10 a.m. to watch Cubs games with his sister. Those bleacher seats shaped his love for the team. He worked selling beer and hot dogs at the concession stand during one memorable season.
Tonight, Hunt returned to the place where his Chicago story began. The North Side kid who became a television powerhouse was finally getting his moment on Wrigley’s field itself, not just in the stands.
Emmy Winner Brings Star Power to Opening Ceremonies
Brendan Hunt has earned serious industry recognition for his work on ‘Ted Lasso’. The actor holds Emmy Awards as a writer and producer, plus an Emmy nomination as an actor on the series. His portrayal of Coach Beard earned widespread acclaim across multiple seasons.
| Achievement | Details |
| Emmy Status | Emmy Winner (Writer/Producer), Emmy Nominee (Actor) |
| Character | Coach Beard, AFC Richmond assistant coach on ‘Ted Lasso’ |
| Show Status | Apple TV+ series, multiple award-winning seasons completed |
| Recent Work | Running one-man show ‘The Movement You Need’ at Steppenwolf Theatre |
“It’s a thrill and an honor. I’ve been coming here since I was about 4 years old.”
Brendan Hunt, on throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field
A Rain Delay Couldn’t Dampen the Celebration
Severe weather threatened to derail the evening, pushing first pitch back from 6:40 PM to 6:10 PM CT. But Hunt handled the delay with the same calm professionalism he brings to Coach Beard. Despite the rain delay and stadium disruptions, the actor delivered his ceremonial pitch on schedule.
The Cubs-Reds matchup finally got underway after the weather cleared. Hunt’s appearance marked a special moment in May baseball season, bringing star power to a Monday night game at Wrigley. Fans celebrated one of Chicago’s biggest entertainment exports returning home.
Why Does Wrigley Field Mean So Much to Brendan Hunt?
Hunt has never hidden his deep love for Chicago and its baseball culture. He’s given interviews about growing up on the North Side, attending games as a child, and the formative role Wrigley Field played in his young life. The ballpark represents home, family, and childhood joy.
Tonight’s ‘Ted Lasso’ star appearance brought full circle his journey from bleacher fan to Emmy-winning entertainer. The first pitch wasn’t just a ceremonial task. It was a deeply personal return to the place where his Chicago story began. For Hunt, stepping onto Wrigley’s mound represented a homecoming three decades in the making.
Sources
- Marquee Sports Network – Profile of Brendan Hunt throwing out the first pitch and his Wrigley Field memories
- MLB.com – Video highlights of Brendan Hunt’s ceremonial first pitch on May 4, 2026
- Chicago Tribune – Coverage of Brendan Hunt’s one-man show and recent activities in Chicago
