While fans know Azzi Fudd for her dominance on the hardwood, it was her arm on a baseball diamond that had everyone talking on Tuesday. In recent weeks, Fudd hasn’t left the media headline, courtesy of the hype around her, because of the No.1 draft pick, and association with Paige Bueckers. And now, Azzi continues to extend the spotlight around her through a coveted appearance outside the sport.

Fudd recently became a front-page news in the MLB circuit after she made the first throw in a Texas Rangers vs. NY Yankees game on Tuesday at the Globe Life Field as part of the “Dallas Wings Night.” The 2026 No.1 pick was accompanied by several of her teammates, like Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James, as they later on also assembled for a group picture before ending their night with the game.

The Rangers’ X handle shared a glimpse of Fudd’s first pitch, showing her in a custom Rangers wardrobe and highlighting her support for the Texas-based team. “First pitch princess 👑@azzi_35 x @DallasWings,” the post’s caption read.

Notably, this isn’t the first instance that Fudd has thrown the first pitch in an MLB game. The former UConn guard also got this honor back in 2025 during a Washington Nationals game against the Cincinnati Reds. Her pitch last year wasn’t quite what she had hoped for as she admitted later on that it hit the ground.

On the contrary, Fudd nonchalantly made a better try on Tuesday, exercising her dominant right hand with perfection as she made the throw to Rangers third base coach Corey Ragsdale. Speaking about the pitch on Tuesday, Fudd sarcastically also brought up her previous pitch for the Nationals to add context. “This pitch was definitely better,” she said. “I didn’t hit the ground, so improvement.”

While Azzi Fudd was quite content with her throw on the night, the fans also had plenty to say about it, and they didn’t hesitate to vent their emotions on social media.

Azzi Fudd’s First Pitch Leaves Fans Thanking the Texas Rangers for the Opportunity

“❤️❤️❤️,” commented WNBA’s X handle. 

Fudd’s association at the Rangers’ game, of course, is a memorable instance for Fudd. After all, throwing the first pitch in an MLB game is definitely a ceremonial instance. But beyond that as well, it marked a blend between two of the most coveted sporting leagues around the world- WNBA and MLB. Now, it’s not a new occurrence; we’ve seen time and again that W players are being given this honorary opportunity.

Paige Bueckers, Fudd’s off-court partner, threw the first pitch in a Rangers game as well last year during the “Dallas Wings Night” in June against the Kansas City Royals. Other recent examples include Kiki Rice, who got her moment earlier this month during the LA Dodgers vs New York Mets game. And courtesy of this deep-rooted association between these two leagues, the WNBA was quick to express its appreciation for Fudd and the MLB.

“Get it, Azzi!,” remarked another. 

“Big 35 👸🏽🫶🏾” chimed in another. 

Several fans, including these, were quick to show their love for Fudd in the comments. And again, it’s not something new. Her fan following stems back to her collegiate days at Storrs, which grew exponentially after joining the Dallas Wings. Thus, it’s quite natural that when Fudd graces a global league like MLB as an honorary first-pitcher, the fans would rally behind her, and that’s exactly what happened on Tuesday where fans called her with names like “princess” and “Big 35” (courtesy of her jersey number).

“Thank you for this @Rangers 🤝” stated a netizen. 

“the smiles from zaza, lan, and paige is soooo adorable! they adore our princess sm🥹,” summed up another. 

For context, the Dallas Wings and the Texas Rangers have always shared a close identity. Representing a common region in their respective leagues, of course, gives them a boost in this regard. To further honor this association, the Rangers established “Dallas Wings Night” in 2024, during which a player from the Wings franchise throws out the first pitch.

Arike Ogunbowale did it in 2024, making way for Bueckers and Fudd to get the opportunity in the next two editions. As a result, some Wings and Fudd fans also didn’t shy away from thanking the Rangers for this gesture and for allowing them to see a different side of their favorite player. Notably, it wasn’t just the fans who were elated with Fudd’s first throw in the game, but her teammates, like Bueckers and Aziaha James, were cheering behind her and even greeted her with a clap after she threw the pitch.

It perfectly captures the admiration and bond that the entire team shares with Fudd. While the Rangers-Yankees game highlighted it once, this close camaraderie and bond are even more important in the upcoming season, which tips off with their first preseason game against the Indiana Fever on April 30, marking the first time we might see Fudd in a Wings jersey.