Steve Aoki joins list of top 10 worst first pitches of all time
BOSTON (BVM) – When Grammy-award winning DJ Steve Aoki took the mound at Fenway Park last night for the ceremonial first pitch, expectations were not very high. Having played in the celebrity All-Star softball game just last season, the crowd and Red Sox staff likely thought they’d have a routine first pitch on their hands. What they got was anything but as Aoki launched the first pitch up into the net behind home plate. It was airmailed and it frankly wasn’t even close, much to the chagrin of Aoki and to the delight of baseball fans and the Internet who took the viral outtake and ran with it.
With his embarrassing hurl towards home, Aoki has entered the elite echelon of bad ceremonial first pitches. Here are the top 10 worst first pitches chosen by accuracy, significance and memorability.
1. 50 Cent – Citi Field – Pirates-Mets – May 27, 2014
Perhaps the most immediately recognizable of all first pitch fails, 50 Cent threw this first pitch in front of a New York crowd, which you’ll see is a common situation. Fortunately, 50 kept his throw airborne. Unfortunately, the ball was roughly 10 feet to the left of the plate and looked like it took an immediate left turn from his hand. This is the throw by which all bad first pitches are measured and thankfully 50 left the mound with a laugh and a smile.
2. Carly Rae Jepson – Tropicana Field – Astros-Rays – July 14, 2013
Fortunately for American singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, her gaffe is largely in the shadow of 50 Cent’s as hers happened the year prior and was quickly swept under the rug. Unfortunately, Jepsen was a bit too nervous and had a tight grip on the ball causing her to spike the ball only a few feet in front of her and had it roll towards the same spot 50’s throw went. If it was more accurate, she’d be forgiven, but due to the spike and the inaccuracy of the roll, it lands high on this list.
3. Mark Mallory – Great American Ball Park – Cubs-Reds – April 2, 2007
A classic that has been forgotten thanks in part to the rise of social media, former Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory delivered this pitch back in 2007. Perhaps it was because of the pressure of Opening Day that caused Mallory to throw the pitch wide left and off the screen, but that’s what happened as it rolled into the feet of the umpire on duty. This may still be the only first pitch in history that has caused an immediate ejection and it’s honestly understandable.
4. Gary Dell’Abate “Baba Booey” – Citi Field – Pirates-Mets – May 9, 2009
Mets fans deserve better. Pirates fans deserve better. Citi Field deserves better. This ceremonial first pitch by Howard Stern Show producer Gary Dell’Abate better known as Baba Booey is one that lives in infamy. Thanks to it being airborne and directed towards the plate, Dell’Abate’s throw beats out Mallory’s but the fact he was still able to hit the umpire is quite impressive considering he’s standing off to the side. It must be something with those New York fans that causes the nerves.
5. Steve Aoki – Fenway Park – Astros-Red Sox – May 16, 2022
The inspiration for this list finally makes an appearance. Aoki does deserve credit for one thing: he got the message of aiming higher. However, his throw was about 20-30 feet too high. While Aoki may not be at the top of this list, thanks to where and when he did it, his throw will likely be remembered for a long time.
6. Conor McGregor – Wrigley Field – Twins-Cubs – September 21, 2021
Perhaps fans get the most joy from these moments when athletes, who seem like superhumans to us mere mortals, make something that is supposed to be easy look difficult. That’s what fans were awarded when MMA fighter Conor McGregor sent this wild pitch over the photographers and into the brick backstop at Wrigley. He had good velocity and got air under the ball, but it was off to the right and much too high for a solid first pitch.
7. Dr. Anthony Fauci – Nationals Park – Yankees-Nationals – July 23, 2020
Having Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, throw the ceremonial first pitch for his favorite team during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season made perfect sense. Unfortunately, the doctor was not in great form with his toss. While the ball started in the air it landed off to the left before making it to home plate. Thankfully it was not as off-target as some of the other throws on this list and thankfully for Fauci’s sake no fans in the stands meant not many people saw it in person.
8. John Wall – Nationals Park – Orioles-Nationals – June 17, 2011
Basketball and baseball require two completely different sets of skills and that was apparent in former Washington Wizards point guard John Wall’s throw to the plate. While it was more accurate than most on this list, staying within the batter’s boxes, it took a hard bounce before making it to the plate showing that sometimes the hardest part about throwing a baseball is keeping it in the air. For Wall, unlike Fauci, he had a crowd of fans witnessing this poor throw.
9. Michael Jordan – Wrigley Field – Giants-Cubs – September 28, 1998
The GOAT deserves some respect for his attempt at playing professional baseball during the middle of his first retirement. Not many athletes can do or even attempt that. However, knowing that background information makes this throw a bit less excusable. Jordan does get a break because it was before a crucial one-game playoff at a packed Wrigley and it didn’t impact the home team winning the contest, but he did try to make a run at pro baseball and should’ve turned in a better throw for Sammy Sosa to catch.
10. Carl Lewis – Safeco Field – Angels-Mariners – June 18, 2003
The nine-time Olympian threw out this dribbler back in 2003. Though it rolled most of the way there, Lewis’ toss was at least accurate as it barely missed the plate. Even better, Lewis was able to squeeze in a second pitch which was delivered with much more accuracy than his first. For that, Lewis earns the distinction of best of the worst.
