Purdue Boilermakers Star Zach Edey Just Threw Brutal First Pitch At Chicago Cubs Game

On Tuesday, Edey was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs’ home game against the San Diego Padres. With the entire crowd at Wrigley Field watching, Edey threw one of the worst first pitches of the season so far.

Edey hooked his pitched so far left that Clark the Cub, who was serving as his catcher, had to do a double take. Edey was actually a pitcher in high school, but certainly didn’t look the part during Tuesday’s appearance on the mound.

Given Edey’s 7’4′” frame and massive natural mitts, the baseball probably feels like a golf ball to the hulking big man.  It’s not hard to see why he doesn’t have the same control on the baseball as Shōta Imanaga.

Purdue Boilermakers Alum Zach Edey Is NBA-Bound

Edey declared for the 2024 NBA Draft last month. Edey said that he felt like he was primed to go pro after getting better year-after-year during his time with Purdue.

“I felt like it was time. I showed that I’m a physical presence on offense this season. I also showed I can play defense. I can guard in space, even defend guards,” Edey told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony about his decision to make the leap to the NBA.

Edey was arguably the best player in college basketball over the past two seasons. His back-to-back Naismith Award nods attest to that.

In 39 games played last season, Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. He ended his career in Purdue as the school’s all-time leader in both points (2,516) and rebounds (1,321).

Edey is expected to be a first-round selection in the upcoming NBA draft. His MLB draft stock, however, has taken a major hit after Tuesday’s first pitch.