Minnesota Vikings fans have to be just a little bit relieved that Sam Darnold is their Week 1 starter after rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s ill-fated first pitch last night.
During yesterday’s home game for the Minnesota Twins, the rookie No. 10 overall pick and reigning national champion from Michigan took to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.
But rather than throw a perfect strike – which you would expect from an athlete who throws a ball for a living – McCarthy’s toss was off target. As you’ll see in the video below, he was way outside and beyond the range of the catcher to even make a move for it. The crowd made an audible groan at the sight:
JJ McCarthy’s first pitch was….. not great. #SKOL pic.twitter.com/nKi0yXTrHY
— Declan Goff (@DexsTweets) June 18, 2024
Fans immediately had all kinds of jokes about McCarthy’s off throw:
“He visualized a Packer in the batter’s box and beaned him,” one user suggested.
“This really isn’t that hard… any nfl quarterback should make this look easy. Or college. Or high school for that matter lol,” wrote another.
“So glad I wasn’t in my seat to see this atrocity. Jordan Love is gonna own this kid!” a third declared.
Suffice it to say, J.J. McCarthy has a lot of proving to do before he gets into the good graces of the fans.