Rob Gronkowski Spiked The First Pitch At Red Sox Patriots' Day Game Because Of Course He Did

Rob Gronkowski just can't help himself.

The former All-Pro tight end was selected for the honor of throwing out the first pitch in the Boston Red Sox's Patriots' Day game against the Cleveland Guardians. But instead of launching the ball over the plate for a strike, Gronk spiked it into the mound like a football in one of his signature touchdown celebrations.

Fans in New England are more than familiar with the "Gronk Spike." And given the current state of the Patriots, they are desperately missing it.

Gronkowski was also the grand marshal for the Boston Marathon on Monday morning. And he said he's grateful to give back to the community that showed him so much support.

"I just love the energy that Boston has — that the whole New England area has — and you are going to feel the energy here and along the course," Gronkowski said. "I love giving back to the community — especially here in New England."

(Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

Gronkowski spoke at the starting line of the 128th running of the race before driving to the finish line where he hyped the crowd by — again — doing the "Gronk Spike" with a football on Boylston Street.

He said afterward: "It’s like a 26-mile parade!"

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Gronk is royalty in Massachusetts. He played the first nine of his 11 NFL seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowls with the team and raking up five Pro Bowl appearances. It's safe to say, when he's in New England, he can spike whatever he wants.