Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, took part in a memorable batting practice session with Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene on Friday at the historic Wrigley Field in Chicago. The event took place just before the Reds’ season opener against the Chicago Cubs, showcasing a unique blend of motorsport leadership and Major League Baseball talent.
Brown dons customized Reds jersey for the friendly competition
Wearing a custom Cincinnati Reds jersey courtesy of Greene and his signature McLaren papaya cap, Brown stepped into the batter’s box, facing pitches delivered by Reds’ first-base coach Collin Cowgill. The informal session highlighted Brown’s enthusiasm for baseball, emphasizing his connection to the sport beyond his motorsport commitments.
Zak Brown expresses deep passion for baseball alongside racing
In an interview with MLB.com, Brown revealed his strong affinity for baseball, stating,
“First of all, I’m a big baseball guy. Kind of more of a baseball guy than a racing guy. So I’ve been fortunate through racing, a lot of the ballplayers are racing fans. I went to the All-Star Game last year and built some nice relationships. I’ve let them play on the racetrack and they let me play on the field.”
Brown also noted,
“I’m buddies with Ian [Happ] and Hunter and the MLB guys. I like all baseball.”
Hunter Greene highlights shared passions with Zak Brown
Greene shared the special occasion on social media, celebrating the camaraderie with Brown. He wrote,
“Just two good friends @ZBrownCEO sharing each other’s passions and rolling out the carpet to have a little fun. We both love baseball and very fast [cars].”
Their mutual respect and enthusiasm for each other’s sports were evident throughout the event.
Brown’s visit follows McLaren’s triumph at the Monaco Grand Prix
Brown’s appearance at Wrigley Field came shortly after McLaren’s impressive performance at the Monaco Grand Prix, where driver Lando Norris achieved his first-ever victory from pole position, and teammate Oscar Piastri secured third place. The results boosted McLaren’s standing in both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships, underscoring the team’s momentum this season.
Reflections on Monaco GP success and championship standings
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 following the Monaco victory, Brown commented on the thrilling race and his team’s performance:
“It was great. It was pretty much a perfect weekend. Couldn’t be happier. Big day for points for everyone. Excited to win Monaco, it’s the big one.”
He acknowledged the competitive challenges on the track, mentioning drivers Charles and Max while praising McLaren’s strategy and driver efforts.
Brown encourages Piastri despite narrowly missing out on victory
Despite Piastri finishing third in Monaco, he retains a three-point lead in the drivers’ championship over Norris. Brown remarked on this tight contest, saying,
“I reminded Oscar, I know you’re bummed you finished third, but you’re still leading the championship. So it’s going to get fun the second half of the year, but they’re up for it and I’m excited to see them race.”
His optimism reflects the competitive intensity within McLaren as the season progresses.
The merging of motorsport leadership and baseball camaraderie
This unique batting practice session not only emphasized Zak Brown’s personal passion for baseball but also highlighted the connections forged across different sports communities. Brown’s visit to Wrigley Field and time with Hunter Greene display how shared interests can transcend disciplines, enhancing relationships between leading figures in racing and professional baseball.
As McLaren continues its push for championship success and the Reds gear up for their baseball season, moments like these underline the broader sporting culture that energizes athletes and executives alike. The interplay between fast cars and fastballs will remain a compelling story to watch in the coming months.