In a delightfully unexpected twist, WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has found his way into the world of Major League Baseball, not through a new career in sports but rather via the universe of collectible cards. The multi-talented wrestler and television stalwart has debuted in the 2025 Topps Series 2 baseball card set, but fans won’t find images of him donning a glove or swinging a bat. Instead, The Miz is commemorated for his ceremonial first pitch at Progressive Field, a moment that stirred both fans and locals earlier this year.
The Miz’s foray onto a baseball card, while surprising to some, fits a beloved tradition of the Topps brand. This tradition celebrates various celebrities and athletes by immortalizing their ceremonial first pitches on special Short Print (SP) cards. These cards are something of a prized possession in the collecting world, produced in limited quantities and eagerly sought after by enthusiasts and fans alike.
This year’s inclusion of The Miz follows earlier features of luminaries such as music mogul Travis Scott, the nearly mythical basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama, and the chart-topping cultural phenomenon Bad Bunny. Each of these icons has graced a baseball diamond to launch a ceremonial pitch, creating a delightful intersection between pop culture and America’s pastime.
The Miz, hailing from Parma, Ohio, possesses a rich history with Cleveland, a city known for its passionate sports fans and distinctive flair. Delivering a first pitch at a Guardians game wasn’t merely an opportunity to showcase his throwing arm; it was a heartfelt homage to his roots. The same over-the-top bravado and electric charisma that elevated him from MTV’s The Real World to the main event at WrestleMania were on full display as he took the mound in his hometown.
Despite his longstanding association with wrestling trading cards, particularly through WWE’s enduring relationship with Topps, this marks The Miz’s first appearance in the realm of baseball cards. His addition to this collection underscores his evolution from reality TV fixture to wrestling king, and now, into a surprising baseball cameo. Unsurprisingly, this transition has generated a considerable buzz.
The Miz himself appeared bemused yet exhilarated by this development. Taking to social media with characteristically theatrical enthusiasm, he exclaimed, “Wait, this is real?! I need this!” His reaction encapsulates a genuine excitement that blurs the lines between a carefully curated persona and a candid moment of personal delight.
The 2025 Topps Series 2 set, available now, is creating ripples both online and within hobby shops. Finding a Miz SP card could very well be likened to discovering a golden ticket, offering as much intrigue and excitement as one might find in any one of his dramatic wrestling storylines. Collectors keen on capturing moments that intertwine with pop culture narratives are ready to seize this opportunity.
While securing a Miz card may not crown you the ultimate sports card collector, it will certainly capture a part of the playful essence that these cards strive to preserve — the melding of fandoms, the celebration of crossovers, and the joy of uniting distinct worlds. For those who frequent card conventions or swap meets, having this card might provoke double-takes, start conversations, and occupy a cherished spot in the pantheon of prized possessions.
Ultimately, this unique card not only captures a specific moment from a balmy day at Progressive Field but also celebrates The Miz’s continuous journey across pop culture landscapes. It reflects the diversity and surprise inherent in collecting itself — a reminder that even in a choreographed world, unscripted surprises still hold the power to awe and delight. As The Miz adds yet another surprising notch to his multifaceted career, this collectible card acts as a testament to the enduring allure of unpredictability and the boundless joy found in blending worlds together.
