ESPN analyst Stephen. A Smith took the mound to throw out the first pitch at the Yankees–Blue Jays game in New York on Thursday night, and while it wasn’t the worst entry into first pitch lore, it certainly wasn’t the best—and fans were quick to poke fun at him for it.
The First Take star’s effort didn’t reach home plate, as the ball bounced about 10 feet before it, one-hopping into the catcher’s glove. Yankee Stadium erupted in boos at the sight.
Smith looked pretty disappointed after his short pitch, but he added to the discourse on social media by posting a video of it to X, formerly known as Twitter, to note that “it was a changeup!”
It was a changeup! pic.twitter.com/iM1wV1Hy1c
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) September 21, 2023
Smith has recently been critical of baseball in general, making MLB fans heated about any baseball related takes he may give. Smith specifically gave a rant about Shohei Ohtani the other day that made fans upset.
Because the first pitch didn’t go as planned for Smith, fans were quick to jump on the analyst for his approach. Here’s some of the best social media reaction.
You have got to be freaking kidding me @stephenasmith
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 21, 2023
This is worse than I imagined and you make fun of me for running out the end zone! https://t.co/zvkqsxOKGR
Stephen A. Smith’s first pitch at Yankee Stadium did not go well for him pic.twitter.com/t8g0VUPkO2
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 21, 2023
Man, that throw was as bad as your takes!! 😂 https://t.co/KSfjbFZjTl
— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) September 21, 2023
Yo Man, warm up next time😂 https://t.co/xLB8U2ZXfo
— Dave Sims (@TheDaveSimsShow) September 21, 2023
Didn’t we talk about this this morning 😂 https://t.co/BF0SUs8Zh7
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) September 21, 2023
I’ve seen old lady’s throw further 🤣🤣 https://t.co/LGTdnF2a3G
— Alpha Kabiné (@AlphaKabin4) September 21, 2023
Bounce passes, things of that nature https://t.co/gtDeI4wmRc
— D.J. Short (@djshort) September 21, 2023
Buddy said baseball was easy and then spiked one 43 feet 🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/eYammPfshS
— Drew C ⚾️ (@Drewpy34) September 21, 2023
