You wouldn’t expect a former professional baseball player to be in the running for the worst ceremonial first pitch of all time, but Paul O’Neill, former New York Yankees outfielder, surprisingly entered that conversation with an impressively botched throw ahead of Game 4 of the World Series. O’Neill, who made a name for himself as a key part of the Yankees dynasty that dominated the late 1990s, delivered a throw that left many scratching their heads and laughing in disbelief.
Baseball teams have been inviting notable figures to throw out ceremonial first pitches since the end of the 19th century. While many of those individuals have no trouble tossing a strike, countless others have struggled under the bright lights, succumbing to the pressure of trying to hit the catcher’s mitt in front of thousands of eager fans.
There have been numerous infamous first pitch fails over the years, from Carly Rae Jepsen’s laughable attempt at a Rays game in 2013 to NBA star John Wall’s similarly awkward throw at a Nationals game a few years prior. Of course, perhaps the most notorious of all remains rapper 50 Cent’s wildly errant first pitch at Citi Field in 2014, a throw that continues to follow him to this day.
But what makes O’Neill’s moment even more surprising is that, unlike those celebrities, he spent 17 years playing professional baseball. O’Neill enjoyed a storied career in the MLB, with most of his time spent with the New York Yankees, where he won five World Series championships. Given his background, expectations were high when O’Neill was tapped to throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Game 4 at Yankee Stadium. Fans were eager to see a beloved Yankees legend take the mound once more, even if just for a ceremonial toss.
Unfortunately, O’Neill’s throw did not go according to plan. The 61-year-old, who now works as an analyst for YES Network, stepped up to the mound, wound up, and launched a pitch that sailed well over the head of his target, former Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett.
The throw missed its mark by a wide margin, and the crowd collectively gasped as the ball went careening past Burnett, eliciting a mix of groans and laughter from the fans in attendance.
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Realizing the throw had gone completely awry, O’Neill quickly signaled for a do-over, much to the amusement of the crowd. With a sheepish grin and a shrug, he lined up for a second attempt. This time, he managed to get the ball to Burnett, delivering a more accurate, if not exactly impressive, throw. The crowd cheered in good spirits, appreciating the lighthearted moment and the humility O’Neill displayed in trying again.
The moment quickly went viral, with clips of the failed first pitch circulating on social media. Fans and commentators weighed in with humor and good-natured teasing, joking about how even the most seasoned athletes can have an off day. “Paul O’Neill’s first pitch just goes to show that even legends need a warm-up,” one fan tweeted, while others compared the mishap to the infamous 50 Cent pitch, suggesting O’Neill might have given the rapper a run for his money in the worst pitch department.
Despite the mishap, O’Neill took the experience in stride, laughing at himself and enjoying the moment. For Yankees fans, it was a chance to see one of their heroes back on the field, sharing a laugh and reminding everyone why he remains such an endearing figure in Yankees history. His willingness to embrace the awkwardness and give it another shot endeared him even more to the crowd, who cheered him on regardless of the outcome.
O’Neill’s ceremonial pitch might not have gone as planned, but it certainly added a memorable moment to the evening. It also served as a reminder that the game of baseball, even for those who have mastered it at the highest level, can be unpredictable and humbling.
O’Neill’s career was marked by intensity, passion, and success, but this lighthearted blunder showcased a different side of him—one that was willing to laugh at himself and keep going, no matter how off-course things went.
In the grand tradition of ceremonial first pitches, O’Neill’s attempt will undoubtedly be replayed in highlight reels for years to come, joining the ranks of other famously bad throws.
But for the fans at Yankee Stadium that night, it was more than just a failed pitch—it was a nostalgic and heartwarming moment, seeing a legend back on the field, reminding everyone that, at its core, baseball is about fun and embracing the unexpected.
And if anyone can handle a little ribbing with grace, it’s Paul O’Neill, a man who’s faced far greater challenges on the diamond.
