Wrestling fans and sports collectors alike were sent into a whirlwind of excitement as WWE superstar The Miz stepped into an unexpected spotlight, not in a wrestling ring, but on a Major League Baseball card. Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, known for his flamboyant in-ring persona and his penchant for theatrics, has now been immortalized in the 2025 Topps Series 2 baseball card set, all thanks to his ceremonial first pitch at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. The card marks a delightful crossover between the world of wrestling and baseball collectors, celebrating an iconic moment for this multifaceted entertainer.
Mizanin, a native of Parma, Ohio, has never shied away from expressing his love for Cleveland sports, proudly rooting for the Ohio teams through thick and thin. Taking the mound at the Guardians’ game was not just a casual appearance but a heartfelt tribute to his roots and a landmark occasion for the “most must-see WWE Superstar.” His journey from MTV’s The Real World to the sprawling world of WWE wrestling is well-documented, but this latest endeavor expands his résumé into the collectibles domain, gifting him the unique accolade of having a baseball card.
Topps has a long-standing tradition of featuring celebrities and athletes in their first-pitch moment with special Short Print (SP) cards. These SP cards are produced in limited numbers, adding scarcity and thus, significant value and desirability among collectors. From rapper Travis Scott to basketball phenom Victor Wembanyama and global music sensation Bad Bunny, each of these cards has turned into sought-after items. Now, The Miz joins this illustrious lineup, immortalized on a card that links his wrestling prowess with America’s favorite pastime.
The world of trading cards isn’t alien territory for Mizanin. His familiar face graces various WWE cards produced through an existing partnership with Topps. However, this marks his inaugural appearance in a baseball set, which is rather fitting given his fervent Cleveland sports allegiances. The release of the 2025 Topps Series 2 card bearing his image has stirred up excitement both in the wrestling and baseball fan communities.
Fans were eager to express their enthusiasm on social media, with Mizanin himself leading the charge by sharing his own sense of amazement upon discovering the card’s existence. In a classic Miz fashion, he took to social media with a blend of shock and humor, playfully questioning, “Wait, this is real?! I need this!” His delight echoed through the digital platforms, drawing admirers from all over to the chase of securing one of these rare tokens.
Interestingly enough, although Topps traditionally reserves these honors for significant names or notable ceremonial first pitches from aficionados of the game, The Miz’s spotlight demonstrates his influence beyond the boundaries of the squared circle. It paints a vivid scene of the fusion of popular culture, where wrestling acumen spills over into baseball card collecting.
While The Miz’s signature card headline the news, the 2025 Topps Series 2 has hit the market, both online and in specialized hobby shops, offering fresh content for card enthusiasts amidst the collectibles resurgence. Within this cacophony of new releases, a Miz SP card holds the promise of being the ultimate catch. Snagging one of these gems could very well become a captivating treasure hunt, adding a playful twist to the collecting community’s pursuits.
The interplay between sports memorabilia and entertainment personalities is a testament to the universal appeal of trading cards. By incorporating icons from various domains, Topps acknowledges the multifaceted tastes of collectors and fans. The Miz’s inclusion in this lineup reflects his standing not just as a wrestling sensation, but as a beloved figure capable of stirring excitement across different fan bases.
As aficionados rip open packs of the 2025 Series 2, they are not merely looking for traditional MLB stars. Instead, they find an intriguing blend of sportsmanship and showmanship — a delightful surprise encapsulated within a small, glossy card. This unique appearance speaks to the evolving nature of collectibles, where nostalgia and contemporaneity dance together, mirroring the remarkable journey of The Miz, from local Ohioan to internationally recognized figure.
It’s a moment of personal triumph for The Miz and a playful nod to fans across the spectrum of sports entertainment. With a smile and a wink, the wrestling superstar embraces his place among the pantheon of celebrated first-pitchers, transformed into an iconic artifact that both reflects his homegrown charm and extends his superstar appeal beyond the ring. The intersection of wrestling glory and baseball tradition now holds a special place within the cardboard confines of an MLB card — a whimsical twist worthy of The Miz’s inimitable flair.
