The chemistry between Kansas City Chiefs superstars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is legendary on the football field, but their off-field banter is proving to be just as elite. Following the recent announcement that Kelce has officially joined the Cleveland Guardians ownership group, Mahomes wasted no time in reminding his favorite target of one of his most embarrassing public moments: the 2023 ceremonial first pitch that went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Travis Kelce Joins the Cleveland Guardians Ownership Group
Travis Kelce, a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has never been shy about his love for his hometown. Joining the Cleveland Guardians ownership group is a full-circle moment for the three-time Super Bowl champion. While Kelce has spent his entire professional career in Kansas City, his roots in Northeast Ohio remain a core part of his identity. By investing in the Guardians, Kelce joins a growing list of professional athletes transitioning into the front office and ownership suites of Major League Baseball franchises.
The move was met with widespread praise from the Cleveland community and Guardians fans alike. Kelce’s presence brings a high-profile boost to the organization, which has been seeking to strengthen its ties with the local community and younger demographics. However, for Patrick Mahomes, the news wasn't just an opportunity to congratulate a friend—it was an opening to revisit a classic piece of sports blooper history.
Patrick Mahomes Revisits the Infamous 2023 First Pitch
The primary source of Mahomes' amusement stems from April 2023, when Kelce was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Progressive Field. Despite being one of the greatest athletes in NFL history, Kelce’s performance on the mound was less than stellar. Instead of a strike, Kelce delivered a "dirt burner" that spiked directly into the grass well in front of the plate, nearly hitting the Guardians’ mascot and leaving pitcher Shane Bieber in stitches.
Upon hearing the news of Kelce's Cleveland Guardians ownership stake, Mahomes took to social media to deliver a playful jab. Mahomes, who is himself a part-owner of the Kansas City Royals, jokingly questioned whether this new executive role would finally grant Kelce the practice time needed to improve his pitching mechanics. The interaction highlights the friendly rivalry between the two, especially as they now find themselves on opposite sides of the American League Central division as owners.
A Growing Portfolio for the Chiefs Superstars
The move by Kelce to invest in the Guardians mirrors the path taken by Patrick Mahomes several years ago. Mahomes, the son of former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes, became a minority owner of the Kansas City Royals in 2020. Since then, Mahomes has expanded his business portfolio to include stakes in Sporting KC (MLS) and the Kansas City Current (NWSL). Kelce is now following a similar trajectory, leveraging his massive platform and financial success to build a legacy beyond the gridiron.
- Patrick Mahomes: Part-owner of the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, and KC Current.
- Travis Kelce: Newest member of the Cleveland Guardians ownership group and investor in Alpine F1.
While the investment is a serious business move, the "brutal" trolling from Mahomes serves as a reminder that no matter how much success they achieve in the boardroom, their locker room dynamic remains unchanged. Kelce will likely have to endure the highlights of his 2023 pitch every time the Guardians and Royals face off in the future.
The Impact of Athlete Owners in Major League Baseball
The trend of active NFL players taking ownership stakes in MLB teams is a relatively new phenomenon that speaks to the unprecedented earning power of modern stars. For the Cleveland Guardians, having a figure like Travis Kelce involved provides more than just capital; it provides a marketing powerhouse. Kelce’s media presence and global fame have made him a household name far beyond the sports world, potentially bringing a new wave of attention to the Guardians.
However, as Mahomes pointed out, ownership doesn't necessarily translate to talent on the field—or the mound. As the Guardians look toward their next playoff run, Kelce will likely be watching from the owner's box rather than attempting any more ceremonial pitches. For now, the Cleveland Guardians ownership news remains a win for the city of Cleveland, even if Kelce has to take a few hits from his quarterback along the way.
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