In Photos: Dansby Swanson's Olympic gold medalist wife Mallory Swanson & teammate Alyssa Naeher toss first pitch at Wrigley Park

Soccer players, Mallory Swanson and Alyssa Naeher took the mound at Wrigley Field to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago Cubs’ game against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

Naeher, the goalie for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and Swanson, a star forward for the team, were recently crowned champions at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The USWNT secured a 1-0 win over Brazil, with Swanson scoring, while Naeher made crucial saves to preserve the victory.

Mallory threw out the first pitch to her husband, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, adding a personal touch to the ceremony. The couple has garnered media attention for their dedication to each other and their respective successful careers. Dansby, who has supported his wife through her athletic journey, celebrated her triumphant return following injury and her gold medal success.

Alyssa Naeher, Swanson’s teammate goalkeeper, also played a vital role in the Olympic triumph. Her presence alongside Mallory at Wrigley Field was a celebration of the strong bond they share at their club and national team.

Alyssa Naeher and Mallory Swanson have become key assets of the Chicago Red Stars and USWNT

Both players are key assets for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League. Mallory, a dynamic forward, is known for her speed, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Naeher, one of the league’s top goalkeepers, has earned a reputation for her sharp reflexes, leadership, and clutch performances in critical moments, especially on the international stage.

The Chicago Cubs are currently 77-74 and still in the running for an NL Wild Card spot as the regular season nears conclusion. They are currently sitting 5.5 games behind the New York Mets with only 11 games remaining.

Even with slim chances, the Cubs could still make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Despite recent struggles, their roster depth and key performances have kept them in the race, though they’ll need to finish strong by racking up wins against the Athletics, Nationals, Phillies, and Reds in the remaining games.