Kevin James, one of the New York Mets’ most passionate celebrity fans, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane at Citi Field on Tuesday night, reviving a beloved moment from his past to energize the crowd. The actor and comedian was in attendance to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets faced off against the Baltimore Orioles in the second game of their three-game series. Despite James’ best efforts to pump up the fans, the Mets ultimately fell to the Orioles, 9-5.
As he was handed the microphone to kick off the game with the traditional “play ball” announcement, James seized the opportunity to recreate a viral moment from his career.
Drawing inspiration from his memorable appearance at the 2007 Daytona 500, where he famously shouted “Gentlemen, start your engines!” while promoting his film I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, James delivered a rousing message to the Citi Field crowd.
“God bless our troops, God bless America,” James declared, before adding with a flourish, “God bless the New York Mets, and, gentlemen, let’s play ball!”
The enthusiastic response from the fans at Citi Field made it clear that James’ callback to his Daytona 500 moment was a hit. The original moment from 2007 has since become an enduring meme, with the phrase “Gentlemen, start your engines” continuing to gain traction on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where it’s often used as a sound effect in user-generated videos.
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James’ deep-rooted loyalty to the Mets is well known and has been a recurring theme throughout his career.
The King of Queens star has proudly worn his Mets fandom on his sleeve, even naming his daughter Shea in homage to the team’s former stadium, Shea Stadium. His devotion to the Mets is something he takes seriously, as he once emphasized during an interview with WOR Radio in 2016. “Say what you want about my movies, my career, my weight, have fun,” James said. “Three things are undeniable: my faith, my family, and my loyalty to the Mets.”
Despite James’ spirited attempt to rally the team and fans alike, the Mets were unable to secure a victory that night. However, his presence and the excitement he generated provided a memorable moment for the crowd, reminding everyone of the unique connection between the team and its dedicated supporters.
While the Mets may have stumbled in this game, James’ enduring support is a testament to the unwavering loyalty of Mets fans everywhere.
