WATCH: Michael Phelps Does Iconic Pre-Race Routine Before Diamondbacks First Pitch

28-time Olympic medalist and 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps threw a strike last night to open Game 5 of the National League Championship Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Phelps began the ceremonial first pitch in a way that we’re all so familiar with, doing his iconic pre-race ‘flapping’ routine.

He then floated a pitch for a strike. Reminiscent of past first pitches that he’s thrown, there wasn’t much heat on the toss, but it was on-target, which is sometimes the best strategy to avoid a viral moment. In previous first pitches, he’s always been fairly accurate, but this might be his best one yet.

Phelps was born and raised in Baltimore and is a big Baltimore Orioles fan, but has called the Phoenix area home for more than eight years.

The first pitch wasn’t the end of Phelps’ airtime that night. The game’s broadcasters discussed his pre-pitch routine (and legendary records) later in the game, and also showed him seated next to fellow Olympic gold medalists Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Booker played on the 2020 team that won gold, while Durant was on the gold medal-winning teams in 2012, 2016, and 2020. An Olympic legend in his own right, he is the all-time leading scorer in Team USA men’s Olympic basketball history. The pair are the leaders of the Phoenix Suns who are expected to be one of the best teams in the league when the season begins this week.

The Phillies won Saturday’s game 6-1, taking a 3-2 series lead as both teams head back to Philadelphia on Monday.

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Jack Etter
1 year ago

No mention of Olympian Amy Van Dyken also throwing out a first pitch ahead of game 3 of the NLCS.

Last edited 1 year ago by Jack Etter
Andrew
1 year ago

Jalen T MP takes are actually valid…

Andrew
Reply to  Braden Keith
1 year ago

is he wrong about Phelps takes though? Comes across a bit harsh but the points are valid.

Seth
1 year ago

The arm swing will never get old.

Hmm
1 year ago

Thirsty….

Andrew
1 year ago

How quickly people forget that media darling and PR relevancy extraordinaire Phelps got arrested for DUI

I guarantee is ANYONE else did it (other than a Califraudnia baby bear), they wouldn’t get off so easy

Hmm
Reply to  Andrew
1 year ago

Twice….

RealSlimThomas
Reply to  Andrew
1 year ago

Kobe Bryant has entered the chat

Facts
Reply to  RealSlimThomas
1 year ago

r/nbacirclejerk legend

Last edited 1 year ago by Facts
Walter
Reply to  Andrew
1 year ago

What would you like to happen at this point? I don’t think most of us have forgotten.

Michael Andrew Wilson
Reply to  Andrew
1 year ago

What the Fukuoka is a “Califraudnia baby bear”? 🤔

Jalen T
1 year ago

Phelps would rather hang out with football, golfers and baseball players than be around swim teams… most popular person in our sport everyone! Good job

Coach
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

MP is the most decorated swimmer of all time, and has spent more time in/around a pool than most could probably conceive of. What he is doing after retirement from swimming should not be judged in my opinion. He’s a husband, father, and has interests away from swimming. Good for him!

Facts
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

He literally went to the world champs this year, the World Series of swimming lmao

Last edited 1 year ago by Facts
"we've got a boil-over!"
Reply to  Facts
1 year ago

Yes and was literally a guest commentator during the 400IM while his last remaining WR went down! Medal ceremony and more etc….
I imagine he’ll have a very public presence leading up to LA ’28.

Viking Steve
Reply to  "we've got a boil-over!"
1 year ago

#swimingLA28

Jalen T
Reply to  Facts
1 year ago

He went to worlds because of Leon breaking his record not to enjoy swimming. He doesn’t care about swimming unless it revolves around him.

Coach
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

He doesn’t care about swimming unless it revolves around him. So?

Woods
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

Do you know Phelps well, do you?

"we've got a boil-over!"
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

He’s made appearances and guest commentated at multiple US Nationals and World Champs.

RealSlimThomas
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

You could argue being around bigger professional athletes and teams is doing a lot for swimming. Think of the 99% of people who saw him at this game who wouldn’t otherwise think about swimming that day, week, or even month.

Freddie
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

He wants nothing to do with USAS the organization. I will let you speculate why.

Philip Johnson
Reply to  Jalen T
1 year ago

What happened to Pop? He didn’t medal at Worlds.

Facts
1 year ago

Pitched better than Gallen that game lol

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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