In an unexpected yet delightful crossover, WWE star and Cleveland native Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has found himself immortalized outside the wrestling ring. In 2025, the charismatic grappler transitioned from suplexes to sliders—albeit symbolically—landing his first Major League Baseball card as part of Topps’ newest Series 2 set. This series isn’t just about hits and runs; it’s about celebrating unique celebrity appearances and Mizanin’s ceremonial first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians’ Progressive Field earlier this year has earned its place.
While wrestling fanatics and card collectors might recognize The Miz from WWE trading cards, seeing him in the MLB Topps lineup comes as a cheerful surprise. This isn’t just another addition to his collection of accolades; it’s a testament to his eclectic career and broader appeal. The inclusion is part of Topps’ cherished tradition where they highlight noteworthy celebrity first pitches through special Short Print (SP) cards. These SP cards hold a special allure not just for their limited availability—made even scarcer than the base cards—but for their celebrity appeal, turning them into treasures for collectors who crave the hunt and the story behind the card.
The Miz joining this exclusive group aligns him alongside cultural icons and entertainment heavyweights who have taken to the pitcher’s mound for ceremonial throws. Previous honorary pitchers like music sensation Travis Scott, NBA phenom Victor Wembanyama, and the record-breaking Bad Bunny have graced these SP cards, making The Miz’s inclusion not just a nod to his sports enthusiasm but to his versatility as a performer.
A die-hard Cleveland sports enthusiast, The Miz wore his heart on his sleeve as he took the mound for his home team. Born and bred in Parma, Ohio, his connection to Cleveland isn’t just a fandom; it’s a core part of his identity, nurtured through years of unwavering support for his hometown teams. So, his first pitch isn’t merely a sideshow—it’s a tribute, a homecoming of sorts, welcomed by fans who recognize one of their own.
Throughout his career, The Miz has thrived on being larger than life. From his early days causing stir on MTV’s The Real World to climbing the ropes at WrestleMania, his persona has always been hyperbolic, spirited, and delightfully arrogant. Being featured on a Topps baseball card feels, oddly enough, just in line with his career trajectory, a surreal yet fitting addition to his repertoire.
The reveal of his card sparked sheer jubilance across social media, first from an astonished Miz himself. In a playful post, he quipped, “Wait, this is real?! I need this!”—a sentiment echoed by fans, who eagerly anticipated getting their hands on this shining surprise. The card didn’t merely serve as a pawn in promotional chess; it became a coveted keepsake bridging baseball aficionados and wrestling diehards alike.
The 2025 Topps Series 2 has made its way into the world of collecting, making appearances both online and in brick-and-mortar hobby shops. Enthusiasts are already buzzing over the prospect of snagging The Miz’s SP card. This chase amplifies the excitement for Topps’ new series, inviting collectors to embark on a mission of merriment and discovery, with The Miz’s card possibly becoming one of the series’ most fascinating finds.
As collectors shuffle through packs seeking players and legends, the potential of unveiling The Miz is akin to pulling an ace from a magician’s hat. It’s more than a sport iconography—it’s a celebration of the unpredictabilities that Topps weaves into its narrative tapestry.
Topps’ homage to celebrity pitches fuses the worlds of sports entertainment and Major League Baseball in a masterstroke of cultural play. Featuring The Miz in this pantheon of pitch performers adds an extra dash of verve and vitality. So as fans break into their packs, hunting for that elusive Miz card, they partake in a community game where the prize isn’t just a piece of cardboard but an experience, carrying a story that transcends its tangible form. His foray into the heart of America’s pastime, though fleeting, solidifies the WWE legend in yet another realm—a testament to his enduring charisma and universal appeal.