During the New York Mets’ win over the Pittsburgh Pirates this past Tuesday, fans were caught off guard by a familiar face taking the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.
Camille Kostek, longtime girlfriend of NFL legend Rob Gronkowski, was one of three women selected to throw out the first pitch. She documented the moment on her social media, sharing behind-the-scenes clips and photos of the experience with millions of followers.
Rob Gronkowski’s Girlfriend Camille Kostek Throws First Pitch at Mets Game
The ceremonial first pitch is a staple in Major League Baseball, often used to spotlight celebrities, athletes and public figures before the game begins. It’s a fun way to bring added energy to the ballpark and give fans something to smile about before the first pitch is officially thrown.
This past Tuesday at Citi Field, Kostek got her moment on the mound. She was joined by fellow Sports Illustrated swimsuit models Livvy Dunne, Ellie Thumann and Xandra Pohl. The appearance was part of a promotional event surrounding the release of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Dunne, a former LSU gymnast and current TikTok sensation, landed the iconic magazine’s cover this year.
The group had some fun warming up on the field before the game. Photos and videos showed them practicing their throws, laughing with Mets players, and soaking up the pregame vibe. When it came time to deliver, Kostek stepped confidently onto the mound and tossed a clean pitch that drew applause from the crowd.
She later shared various behind-the-scenes moments in her Instagram story, including a snapshot with Dunne and Thumann — all holding baseballs — captioned: “First Pitch Energy.”
Kostek is more than just a model. She’s a television host, actress and media personality who has built her brand over the years. She has over 1 million followers on Instagram and is a recurring figure in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit editions.
She and Gronkowski began dating in 2015, when he was still with the New England Patriots. They actually met a couple of years earlier, in 2013, when Kostek was a Patriots cheerleader and Gronk was a rookie tight end just starting his career. After a little hesitation, she asked a teammate for his number and later FaceTimed him — and the two hit it off.
Their relationship has endured, even through Gronkowski’s brief retirement and return to the NFL. Kostek was always one of his biggest supporters and even played a role in convincing him to come back and join Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which ultimately led to another Super Bowl ring.
Unlike some high-profile athlete-celebrity couples who avoid the spotlight or become tabloid regulars, Gronk and Kostek have balanced public appearances and private loyalty. They often post fun and silly content online, showing the world they don’t take themselves too seriously.
In an offseason where headlines have included everything from coaching changes to uncomfortable gossip about Bill Belichick’s relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, it’s refreshing to see a former NFL star and his longtime partner making the news for something light, fun and genuinely feel-good.
And judging by the smiles on the field, that first pitch wasn’t just for the fans — it was also a home run for Kostek.