For Paige Bueckers, the love for basketball sparked at just five years old. But as a child, she didn’t stop there; she kept exploring. From playing Little League baseball as a catcher to trying her hand at football, Bueckers was a natural athlete. Still, she always knew her heart belonged to basketball. That passion eventually led her to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Years later, when the Dallas Wings finally broke their seven-game losing streak, the rookie took a moment to revisit her roots. And she did it in the most fitting way possible!
That moment came on June 18th, with Bueckers stepping onto the field at Globe Life Field with a baseball in hand. But unlike her childhood days, this time, she wasn’t playing. She was a special guest, invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals game. What made her presence even more meaningful was the venue itself, Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers since 2020, a site that had also hosted the 2020 World Series and, most recently, the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. It was the perfect backdrop for a moment that connected her past with her present.
Well, the game carried weight, too, as the Rangers entered with a 33–36 record, sitting fourth in the AL West, while the Royals stood at 34–34, fourth in the AL Central. Both teams were fighting to stay afloat in two of Major League Baseball’s most tightly contested divisions. Though the Rangers and Royals don’t have a historic rivalry, coming from different divisions, but Rangers have had the upper hand in recent years, with a 28–10 record against the Royals since 2018. So yes, the stakes were high.
Paige Bueckers throws out the first pitch before the Rangers game
Perfect strike #WingsUp #MLB pic.twitter.com/Bu3kqetwaW
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) June 19, 2025
But Bueckers wasn’t alone on the mound. She was also joined by former hoops star Nancy Lieberman. It was a full-circle moment. After all, Bueckers won the award named after the latter, the Nancy Lieberman Award, twice, after leading UConn to the 2025 NCAA championship game. Now, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the award’s namesake, who herself was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1980 Women’s Professional Basketball League by the Dallas Diamonds. Lieberman went on to play nearly three decades professionally and later made her mark as a coach in the WNBA, G-League, and NBA. So yes, this night had it all: celebrities, history, and postseason-level intensity. All that was left? A win.
As the game began, both teams gave it their all. But in the end, it was Kansas City who emerged victorious, snapping their six-game losing streak in the process. And the win wasn’t short of historic highlights. Salvador Perez launched two home runs, notching his 18th career multi-HR game and breaking George Brett’s franchise record. Meanwhile, All-Star pitcher Seth Lugo dominated on the mound, delivering six strong innings and a season-high nine strikeouts, earning his first win since May 1. And that’s how Bueckers spent her Wednesday at the MLB. Fun Fact: This isn’t the first time that Bueckers has kicked off the ceremonial pitch!
Paige Bueckers balances baseball nostalgia with WNBA challenges!
The Minnesota-born basketball star had already made an appearance at a Kansas City Royals game last year. Back then, she threw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Twins’ game against the Royals—and she did it all in style. Bueckers rocked a casual red and white Twins home jersey, paired with cargo pants and vintage Air Jordans to complete the look.
That night, it was the Twins who came out on top, dominating the Royals with a 13–3 win, thanks in large part to Max Kepler’s four-RBI performance, including a home run. Moments like these show just how much Bueckers appreciates other sports, especially baseball.
NCAA, College League, USA Women’s Basketball: Final Four National Semifinal-UConn Practice Apr 4, 2024, Cleveland, OH, USA UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers during press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Cleveland Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse OH USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKirbyxLeex 20240404_nts_ al2_0056
But now that the game’s over, the rookie needs to shift her focus back to hoops and strategies with the Wings. Although Dallas recently snapped a seven-game losing streak with a win over the Valkyries, they still sit at the bottom of the league standings.
Next up, Bueckers and company face the Connecticut Sun on June 21—a team that currently ranks higher. And it’s a golden opportunity for the Wings to rise, but given the level of physicality the Sun displayed in their recent matchup against the Fever, one question remains: Can Paige Bueckers lead the Wings to another victory? Stay tuned to find out!
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