NHL first overall pick Gavin McKenna threw a ceremonial first pitch at Rogers Centre on Saturday, June 27, 2026, before the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the Texas Rangers. The reception from the crowd was loud and appreciative as the 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, took the mound.
McKenna's ceremonial pitch draws cheers
Accompanied by the Blue Jays mascot, McKenna wore a Jays jersey with No. 26 on the back. He threw the ball to home plate, where veteran outfielder George Springer served as catcher. Springer, an avid hockey fan of the Hartford Whalers, caught the pitch, which was high and outside the strike zone. After catching the ball, Springer walked toward the mound and met McKenna halfway. The two exchanged smiles and posed for photos, and Springer autographed the baseball for McKenna.
McKenna had told reporters at his introductory press conference earlier in Toronto that he had never attended a baseball game. The ceremonial pitch came just one day after he was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL entry draft in Buffalo.
Springer's hockey ties and McKenna's spotlight
Springer, who is twice McKenna's age, has a well-known affection for hockey. He grew up in Connecticut and often attended Whalers games. In 2025, he wore batting gloves with the classic green and blue Whalers colors as a tribute, and his gear was displayed in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Springer also helped the Blue Jays reach the World Series that season, a renaissance year for the designated hitter.
Some observers noted that first-time all-star Ernie Clement, a Sabres fan from Rochester, might have been a more fitting catcher given McKenna's draft location in Buffalo. However, Springer's seniority and hockey passion made him a natural choice.
McKenna's introduction to Toronto's baseball audience came via Springer, a former World Series MVP in the final year of his six-year contract with the Blue Jays. The young forward had earlier been introduced to the hockey world by Justin Bieber at the draft. Saturday's appearance seemed to catch McKenna by surprise, but he will have to get accustomed to the spotlight as he begins his NHL career.
