Donovan Mitchell Will Throw First Pitch at ALCS
The Cavaliers star is set to take the mound at Progressive Field for Game 3 of the ALCS.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Baseball
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Game 3 of the ALCS on October 15, 2026. He will take the mound at Progressive Field as the Cleveland Guardians host the Tampa Bay Rays.
Why it matters
The appearance marks a cross-sport showcase in Cleveland, highlighting the local connection between the NBA and MLB stars as the Guardians continue their quest for a World Series berth.
Mitchell recorded a 86 mph fastball during his high school sophomore year and received 26 Division I basketball scholarship offers before his NBA career. He currently maintains 7 All-Star selections and recently signed a four-year contract extension.
The players
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is a professional basketball player who joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022 after being drafted 13th overall in 2017.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are a professional baseball team competing against the Tampa Bay Rays for a spot in the World Series.
The details
Before focusing on his professional basketball career, Mitchell played as a pitcher and shortstop in high school. His baseball development was previously hampered by a broken wrist sustained during a game collision, though he remains a notable figure in the Cleveland sports community.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Donovan Mitchell throws the first pitch at Game 3.
October 22, 2026: Cleveland Cavaliers play their NBA season opener.
Season Trajectory
This cross-sport event highlights the convergence of Cleveland's major sports seasons as the city rallies behind the Guardians during their playoff push. The appearance bridges the gap between the baseball postseason and the looming start of the Cavaliers NBA season.
Fans attending Game 3 at Progressive Field should account for pre-game ceremonies prior to the first pitch. Those following both teams will see the local sports calendar tighten as the Cavaliers begin their regular season just one week after this playoff matchup.
The takeaway
Mitchell's return to the baseball mound serves as a bridge between his past as a multi-sport high school athlete and his current status as an NBA superstar. The event underscores the shared excitement within the city as fans transition from postseason baseball to the professional basketball season.
What happens next
The Cleveland Cavaliers are scheduled to open their 2026 NBA season against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the team's ongoing playoff journey, see the latest updates in Baseball.
