Ross Chastain, the NASCAR Cup Series driver known for his aggressive style on the track, recently revealed a surprising off-track weakness during his “Like a Farmer” podcast. While Chastain’s rise in motorsports has been rooted in his dedication and hard work, he admitted that baseball is an area where he lacks skill. This candid admission came after Chastain threw the ceremonial first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals game on July 19, 2025, in Dover, Delaware, an event that highlighted his connection to sports outside racing and shed light on his less refined talents.
Chastain’s confession was straightforward:
No, not even. T-ball. No, I played soccer. I know, it’s like one of my worst qualities. I try not to tell.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Despite the admitted lack of experience, Chastain managed to complete the ceremonial pitch, though with some unconventional technique, explaining,
Straight up, just glove had to go out. For the first time, I always go to the top of the mound, put up on the plate. But I threw with a glove.
—Ross Chastain
The unusual style stemmed from his unfamiliarity with throwing a baseball while wearing a glove, which challenged his balance and grip, but ultimately, as he proudly declared,
But I’ve never thrown a baseball in front of people with a glove on. I don’t think I’ve ever even thrown one with a glove. So that made it actually a little awkward because I didn’t really know what to do with this hand, how to get it out of the way, and my weight balance was all off. But I got it there. That was the main thing.
—Ross Chastain
A Personal Tribute and an Intersection Between NASCAR and Baseball
Adding emotional weight to his first pitch was the gift of a custom glove from Rawlings, a renowned sports equipment company, which produced a “Mellon Man Manny” glove specially printed for Chastain. This personalized glove deepened the significance of the moment, symbolizing his nickname in NASCAR and his growing presence beyond racing.
Chastain expressed his appreciation:
So Rawlings gave me a custom Mellon Man glove a few weeks ago. When I was out there for some stuff ahead of the race, three or four weeks ago. Custom-printed Mellon Man Manny glove, and they broke it in for me. It’s great.
—Ross Chastain
This gesture is part of a broader sports marketing trend where NASCAR drivers like Chastain engage in cross-industry collaborations, connecting with baseball and other sports audiences. Chastain’s involvement extends beyond the ceremonial pitch, having participated in the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, an event that brought together NASCAR drivers and baseball legends like Eric Davis and Chipper Jones, further blending fan bases and sports cultures.
In reflecting on the event’s atmosphere, Chastain shared further details of his experience:
Quarter windup. But I got a few cheers, a few claps. We’re going to go up to our seats behind home plate and then up to the suite. I mean, Anheuser-Busch has a really nice suite. The Busch lights were cool. Had me a big hot dog. That was fun,
—Ross Chastain
This outing was connected to Chastain’s ongoing partnership with Anheuser-Busch, who became the primary sponsor of his No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2024. This sponsorship followed the retirement of Kevin Harvick, previously sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, marking a strategic endorsement of a rising talent.
Chastain remarked on the partnership’s personal meaning:
On the farm in Alva, Florida, Busch Light has always been the beer of choice for all of our celebrations, and now that they are right by my side as my sponsor – it’s a dream come true!
—Ross Chastain
Tracing Ross Chastain’s Journey from Farm Fields to NASCAR Stardom
Chastain’s ascent in racing is a testament to relentless determination and hard work. Originating from Alva, Florida, his beginnings were humble, working on his family’s watermelon farm before pursuing a career in racing. His father, a hobby racer, introduced him to motorsports, sparking a passion that propelled him into competitive racing at the age of 12.
Despite limited resources in his early racing career, Chastain achieved notable success in grassroots racing, winning more than 50 feature races and clinching the 2011 World Series of Asphalt Limited Late Model Championship at New Smyrna Speedway. This foundation paved the way for his professional debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2012, marking the start of a gradual climb through various NASCAR divisions.
Chastain’s breakthrough arrived in 2019 with his first NASCAR Cup Series victory in the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix, signaling his transition into a top-tier driver. His 2025 season saw further growth, including winning the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, a crown jewel race that holds significant esteem in the sport.
Reflecting on missing the 2024 playoffs, Chastain revealed how that setback fueled his motivation:
We missed last year, and I was angry,
—Ross Chastain
This frustration translated into disciplined preparation and improved performance. As of mid-2025, Chastain holds 11th place in the points standings, maintaining a 19-point lead over the playoff cutoff, showcasing steady progress toward championship contention.
His victory at the Coca-Cola 600 was particularly meaningful to him, describing the moment:
It made realizing that we won the Coca-Cola 600 that much more special, let alone it being a crown jewel race, but knowing right then, crossing the line that, I mean, in Victory Lane, Media Day popped into my head.
—Ross Chastain
Starting from the rear of the field and leading 10 laps to overtake competitors like Denny Hamlin illustrated Chastain’s evolution from grassroots racer to elite contender.
Adapting Strengths and Fine-Tuning Race Strategy for Continued Success
Chastain attributes much of his recent success to learning from earlier hardships and developing a smart balance between aggression and strategy. The intense, hard-driving style honed on Florida’s short tracks, including Punta Gorda Speedway, remains a core part of his approach. Over time, this raw speed has been complemented by a more calculated race management style.
He emphasized how setbacks inspired his ongoing evolution:
So definitely that had that fueled us, that fueled me through the end of last season and through the off-season,
—Ross Chastain
This thoughtful adjustment suggests that Chastain’s current consistency and execution may make him a formidable player as the NASCAR Round of 16 progresses. With the intensity of competition rising, Chastain’s blend of passion, experience, and tactical growth positions him well to advance toward championship levels.
The Broader Impact of Ross Chastain’s Career and Persona
Ross Chastain’s trajectory from farming fields to the NASCAR spotlight highlights how dedication and perseverance can overcome limited early opportunities. His openness about challenges, such as his admitted lack of baseball skills, adds depth to his public persona, showing both humility and humor.
His expanding presence beyond NASCAR, including collaborations with sports and consumer brands like Rawlings and Anheuser-Busch, illustrates the modern athlete’s ability to build cross-sport appeal and connect with wider audiences.
Chastain’s story serves as inspiration for aspiring racers and sports enthusiasts, demonstrating that growth involves embracing weaknesses as much as building on strengths. As the 2025 NASCAR season unfolds, his continued resilience and refined approach may prove pivotal in his quest for greater glory and sustained success.
