WFAN host Sal Licata made it abundantly clear that he was not thrilled with the New York Mets’ decision to invite the “Hawk Tuah” girl, Haliey Welch, to Citi Field for Thursday’s game against the Oakland Athletics.
Welch, who gained internet fame for her viral catchphrase, not only attended the game but was also given the honor of throwing out the first pitch.
Licata, however, found the Mets’ choice to be more than just questionable. He unleashed a fiery rant on his show, blasting the team for what he saw as a cheap publicity stunt.
“The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto breaking records. They’ve got legends like Ruth, Mantle, and Gehrig. And the Mets? They’ve got Grimace and now ‘Hawk Tuah.’ Come on, bro, I can’t take it, I cannot take it anymore,” Licata fumed. “It’s ridiculous. And then you wonder why fans get so ticked off and upset. It’s embarrassing.”
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While acknowledging that Welch’s appearance at the game wasn’t the biggest issue the Mets face, Licata argued that it exemplified a larger problem with the franchise. “Is it the biggest deal in the world? No, absolutely not. Does it mean anything on the field? No. But that’s the problem. The problem on the field isn’t good enough, and then you come up with these silly gimmicks that make the team a laughing stock. It’s a joke. ‘Hawk Tuah.’”
Licata’s rant quickly became a hot topic, with some listeners criticizing him for overreacting, while others echoed his sentiments.
Many Mets fans took to social media to express their own frustration with the team’s decision to allow Welch to throw out the first pitch, questioning the appropriateness of giving such an honor to a social media figure known for a phrase linked to a sexual act.
For the Mets, the backlash highlights the fine line between engaging with popular culture and maintaining the integrity of the game.
While Welch’s viral fame may have brought attention to the event, it also sparked a debate over whether the team’s attempt to capitalize on internet trends was worth the criticism it generated among its fanbase.
