Brendan Hunt Threw Ceremonial First Pitch in Chicago
The Ted Lasso actor returned to Guaranteed Rate Field to open the pivotal ALDS Game 4 matchup.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Baseball
Brendan Hunt, known for his role as Coach Beard on the show Ted Lasso, delivered the ceremonial first pitch at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Hyde Park, Chicago native participated in the festivities during Game 4 of the ALDS between the White Sox and the Guardians.
Why it matters
The ceremony added a localized touch to a high-stakes postseason matchup for Chicago fans. It marked a return visit for Hunt, who previously threw a first pitch at a White Sox game in September 2023.
The White Sox recorded 19 strikeouts in their nine-inning postseason game on October 7, 2026. This performance set a new MLB record, surpassing the previous benchmark set by the New York Yankees in 2020.
The players
Brendan Hunt
He is an actor from Chicago who is widely known for portraying Coach Beard on the television series Ted Lasso.
White Sox
They are a Chicago-based professional baseball team competing in the American League.
Guardians
They are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland that faced the White Sox in the ALDS.
The details
The White Sox organization selected the local actor to represent the team during the postseason series. If the White Sox defeat the Guardians, they are set to compete against the Tampa Bay Rays for a spot in the World Series.
Timeline
2020: The New York Yankees set the previous postseason strikeout record.
September 2023: Brendan Hunt previously threw a first pitch for the White Sox.
October 7, 2026: The White Sox set a new MLB strikeout record in a postseason game.
October 9, 2026: Brendan Hunt delivered the ceremonial first pitch for Game 4.
Season Trajectory
The White Sox are building momentum in the postseason after setting a new league record for strikeouts in a single game. This surge in defensive performance positions them favorably as they look to overcome the Guardians and challenge the Tampa Bay Rays.
The White Sox's 19-strikeout game sets a new threshold for postseason pitching dominance. Should they advance, this pitching depth will be critical in their upcoming series against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The takeaway
Brendan Hunt's return to Guaranteed Rate Field highlights the strong connection between Chicago sports and local pop culture. The White Sox's historic strikeout record provides a significant boost in defensive confidence heading into the final stages of the ALDS.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Chicago.
