In an unexpected twist in the ongoing saga of pop culture meeting professional sports, WWE’s flamboyant and boisterous star, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, has stepped into the world of Major League Baseball—not swinging a bat or fielding a ball but rather grinning from the glossy surface of a baseball card. Yes, you read that correctly. The multi-title wrestling champion and reality TV standout has made his surprise debut not as an athlete on the field but as a collectible icon in the esteemed 2025 Topps Series 2 baseball card set. This rare addition commemorates none other than his ceremonial first pitch at Cleveland’s Progressive Field.
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, The Miz is familiar with the world of trading cards through WWE’s collaboration with Topps. However, this is his inaugural appearance in a baseball series. The card is part of Topps’ cherished tradition of celebrating noteworthy celebrity and athlete first-pitch moments. Featured as a Special Print (SP) card, The Miz’s collectible is produced in more limited quantities than standard cards. This rarity naturally enhances its allure and value for collectors, turning it into a prized possession for fans from both the wrestling and baseball spectra.
The tradition of highlighting remarkable first-pitch appearances has become something of a cultural nod to the blending of celebrity and sports. In recent years, Topps has spotlighted notable figures such as rapper Travis Scott, promising basketball player Victor Wembanyama, and chart-topping musician Bad Bunny—all catching the imagination of onlookers as they took to the mound at various MLB games. With The Miz now joining these illustrious ranks, Topps has once again demonstrated its knack for capturing modern pop culture moments.
The Miz’s road to this unique accolade is a journey that’s deeply rooted in his Ohio origins. Growing up in Parma, a suburb of Cleveland, he has never shied from expressing his affection and allegiance to Cleveland sports. Thus, the experience of tossing the ceremonial first pitch at a Cleveland Guardians game was far more than just a fanciful appearance for cameras. For The Miz, it was both a personal and public homage to the city that shaped him—a vivid embodiment of homegrown pride that he couldn’t be happier to showcase in such a fashion.
Beyond the baseball diamond and the trading card realm, The Miz has built a reputation for being unapologetically larger than life. From his reality TV debut on MTV’s “The Real World” to headlining WWE’s biggest shows, including WrestleMania, his career thrives on a brand of charisma that’s impossible to ignore. His larger-than-life persona has consistently made waves, whether he’s delivering body slams in the ring or quips on reality shows. Now, as he sashays into the baseball world, he adds another dimension to his multifaceted career.
When the card made its debut, it wasn’t just fans that were taken by surprise; The Miz himself was flabbergasted when he saw his face and form immortalized on cardboard. His response was a delightful medley of disbelief and elation, echoing across social media platforms with an enthusiastic, “Wait, this is real?! I need this!” The announcement reverberated with fans, underscoring the delightful unpredictability that The Miz continually brings to the table.
For collectors and enthusiasts keen on snagging a card that’s as electrifying as its subject, the 2025 Topps Series 2 release is already creating quite the stir. The excitement surrounding the potential discovery of a Miz SP card only adds to the frenzy. Whether you’re a card-carrying member of wrestling fandom, a baseball buff, or a resident Clevelander, pulling such a card from a fresh pack is sure to be an exhilarating highlight.
As the boxes get unpacked and collectors “steele” themselves for their next big find, The Miz’s debut in the Topps Series 2 set reminds us all of the enduring allure of sports moments that transcend boundaries. It’s a testament to the vibrant overlap of entertainment domains and demonstrates what happens when a hometown hero steps onto a global stage, even if just for a ceremonial pitch. And as a timeless token of jubilant nostalgia, The Miz’s baseball card offers a snapshot in time where sports, celebrity, and the unmistakable charm of a WWE champion converge beautifully.