The roar of the United Center. The fast break. The blur of a No. 1 jersey slicing through defenders. Chicago has seen Derrick Rose dominate the hardwood, but what if the city’s favorite son now steps onto a different stage? Not in sneakers, but in cleats. Not on a court, but a pitcher’s mound?
Through highs and lows, injuries and comebacks, he remained a symbol of resilience. The inhabitants have witnessed his journey firsthand, from his MVP rise to his veteran resurgence. And just when you think you’ve seen it all from him, Derrick Rose finds a way to surprise the city once again.
D-Rose took to Instagram and shared a post. Rose showcased himself in a full White Sox kit, picking up baseballs and pitching. With just six words, “Chicago’s Own coming to Opening Day 3/27 🌹,” Rose ignited a frenzy. Fans immediately drew parallels to another Windy City great who once swapped sneakers for cleats. The video shows Rose pitching from a mound with rose petals scattered around it.
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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Derrick Rose (@drose)
And would you believe it? The 36-year-old is set to throw the first pitch on March 27, 2025, during the Sox’s Opening Day. The video shows Rose, donning the Sox jersey, with the nickname “Pooh” branded on the back. His iconic number 1 is printed at the back too as the famous “charge!” music blares in the background.
Derrick Rose’s tease echoes Michael Jordan’s baseball stint
Thirty years ago, the sports world was stunned when Michael Jordan, fresh off an NBA three-peat, swapped his Bulls jersey for a baseball uniform. Now, Derrick Rose’s latest move is stirring up a similar buzz, though his journey is taking a different route. After dominating the NBA with the Bulls, Michael Jordan unexpectedly decided to play professional baseball for the Birmingham Barons, the White Sox’s minor league club. He did so to fulfill his late father’s desire.
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His baseball career is still remembered as one of the most memorable periods in sports history. Although, of course, it did not reach the same heights as his basketball supremacy.
For longtime fans, this moment sparks déjà vu – Rose threw a first pitch in June 2008, the same year he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bulls.
via Imago May 4, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose (1) is presented the MVP trophy before game one of the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images
So when Opening Day arrives, all eyes will be on the mound, waiting to see if Derrick Rose will cement his place in yet another storied Chicago sports tradition. One thing’s for sure: whether he throws a heater or bounces it in, the city will be cheering him on just the same.
After Teasing Jordan-Esque Move,
