The Chicago Cubs placed starting pitcher Jameson Taillon on the 15-day injured list on June 9, 2026, forcing the team to navigate a sudden void in their starting rotation. While the front office manages the roster shakeup, the sports world is focusing on the high-pressure traditions that define summer at Wrigley Field.
On Pardon My Take, host Big Cat shifted the spotlight from the injured list to the anxieties of performing in front of the Chicago faithful. He pressed Illinois football coach Bret Bielema about his upcoming appearance at the ballpark, questioning whether the coach had the nerves to handle the dual honor of singing and throwing.
Specifically, Big Cat asked Bielema: "Yeah. Um, you're, you're singing the Stretch at the Cubs game tonight. We're gonna run this probably Friday, but are, are you scared of throwing out the first pitch?" The exchange highlights the unique dread that even seasoned athletic figures face when stepping onto the grass at Wrigley, where a bad throw can live forever in blooper reels.
As the Chicago Cubs look to weather the loss of Taillon on the mound, they will need all the distractions they can get. Fans will be watching to see if the patched-up pitching staff can survive the month, and if guest stars can survive the walk to the mound without embarrassing themselves.