CLEVELAND -- LeBron James won't be like Mike on the baseball diamond.

James, the No. 1 draft pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers whose phenomenal basketball skills have drawn comparisons to a young Michael Jordan, took pregame batting practice Friday night before the Indians hosted the Cincinnati Reds.

Put it this way: James is no threat to be a two-sport star.

While Jordan had some success in the minor leagues in his attempt at a career in baseball, James had better stick with dribbling, dunking and shooting.

After the Reds finished their pregame batting practice, James jumped into the cage for a few swings -- and a lot of misses.

With former Reds pitcher Tom Hume, now the club's bullpen coach, lobbing pitches to him, James fanned on the first nine pitches before hitting a soft liner to right field.

``Whew,'' Hume said when asked about James' swing. ``He needs a lot of work.''

James was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday's game. After attending a news conference across the plaza at Gund Arena, James hustled over to Jacobs Field.

He spent a few minutes chatting with Reds superstar Ken Griffey Jr., in the Cincinnati dugout. As the two talked, Cincinnati coach Ray Knight and first baseman Sean Casey introduced themselves to the NBA's No. 1 overall pick.

James then was escorted to Cleveland's clubhouse by pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who would later catch James' ceremonial pitch. Sabathia showed James around and had him meet several of his teammates including Milton Bradley and Ellis Burks.

``I'm going to have him sign a baseball,'' Indians infielder John McDonald said.

James went back on the field and signed autographs for fans. One threw him one of the No. 23 Cavaliers jersey that went on sale Thursday night, seconds after the club picked him.

Finally, he slipped on an Indians warmup and cap before stepping into the cage.

Hume joked that he wasn't throwing James anything tough.

``A slow, slow, slower ball,'' Hume said. ``He likes the curveball because his bat is so slow.''

The 6-foot-8 James seemed humbled by the experience.

``He threw me a couple curveballs, but I finally started to hit them,'' James said, peeling off his batting gloves. ``It's fun to do something you don't always do. I'm competitive at everything.''