How to never throw a baseball like Carly Rae Jepson’s ‘first pitch’

by Brittany Anas · July 15, 2013

(Photo courtesy of Target)

Carly Rae Jepsen — the pop princess who sings the catchy “Call Me Maybe” chart-topper — probably won’t be getting called up by any baseball teams in the near future. In fact, she just might go down in American baseball history as throwing the most awkward “first pitch” ever prior to the Tampa Bay Rays’ game Sunday night. It looked like the ball was stuck to Jepsen’s hand and she just couldn’t release it. Once she did, well, she spiked it into the ground. Not sure what happened — because earlier in the spring she threw a decent pitch before an Orioles game.

Alas … nobody wants their kid to throw like Jepsen. But, hey … she does have a perfect pitch, at least when it comes to her voice, right?

Here’s some fun ways you can hone your kids’ baseball skills (and, heck, even your own):

Indoor Pitch Baseball Game: Don’t worry about a stray baseball breaking a window or mirror. This fun, indoor baseball game is a fun way for kiddos to practice their aim while tossing self-stick baseballs at large graphics. You can hang the sheets from a door hook. Hit the “X” three times, and you’ve struck out. (Dick’s Sporting Goods, $19.99)

Little Tikes 3-in-1 Baseball Trainer: Start your kids out early with a this baseball trainer that has three modes to help you little one learn to bat, pitch and catch. The battery-operated training piece comes with a baseball bat, three balls and stakes that help provide stability for those windy days. (Wal-Mart, $49.97)

Bullet Ball: Want to know how fast you can pitch a baseball? This high-tech ball will clock it for you. The standard-sized baseball is an ideal trainer for pitchers of any age. It can measure velocities up to 120 miles per hour. This is an online only deal. (Target, $17.49)

Baseball training set: For the more serious baseball player, this five-piece training tool set set includes a speed chute and lateral resistor. You can also better your agility and throwing strength with the reaction ball. (Wal-Mart, $79.99)