Tyrese Haliburton, once known as a devoted Milwaukee Brewers supporter, now stands as a free‑agent in Major League Baseball after receiving ceremonial first‑pitch invitations from both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs.
Choosing the Cubs, Haliburton will take the mound at Wrigley Field on September 3 to face the Brewers, the team whose invitation was withdrawn after his recent basketball success with the Indiana Pacers.
A New Chapter at Wrigley
The decision reflects a broader shift in his allegiances; growing up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, near the Brewers’ former home at Miller Park, he declared his disaffection with the franchise and his newfound loyalty to Chicago.
Haliburton’s preparation includes a return to his underhand pitching style, honed during a celebrity softball game in Indianapolis, contrasting with the traditional overhand delivery he will employ at Wrigley.
The matchup will be broadcast nationally at 7:15 p.m. ET on FOX, with former pitcher John Smoltz, veteran broadcaster Adam Amin, and analyst Ken Rosenthal handling the commentary.
Adding to the festivities, Wrigley will celebrate Hello Kitty Night, featuring seventh‑inning stretch performances by Whistler Allen and Jake Luppen.
Beyond baseball, Haliburton’s connection to the NFL is evident through his classmate Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, and his earlier fandom of the Indianapolis Colts and the 49ers.
With the Brewers boasting the league’s best record at 87‑53 and the Dodgers sitting 4.5 games back at 82‑57, the September 3 game promises a compelling contrast between two of baseball’s top teams.