Jerry Seinfeld is a huge New York Mets fan, so when he was tapped to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Mets-Philadelphia Phillies game Friday, he was ready to go.
The Mets were celebrating Seinfeld Night at Citi Field — the iconic sitcom debuted 30 (THIRTY!) years ago this week — and in large part thanks to Keith Hernandez, the show somewhat regularly referenced the team, as well as baseball in general.
When it was time for the first pitch, Seinfeld did not disappoint on the mound. After ditching his blazer, the comedian, who recently turned 65, delivered a perfect sidearm strike that should kind of make the Mets bullpen a little jealous.
Just like the pros do it. And afterward, he hilariously challenged other 65-year-old sitcom stars to throw a pitch that perfect.
Seriously, maybe the Mets want to recruit Seinfeld after that pitch because following a 10-strikeout performance from reigning NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom, the Phillies scored five runs in the ninth for a 7-2 victory.
And he joined Hernandez and co. and stopped by the booth. His appearance was absolutely delightful, saying: “It’s a TV show, not just a game.”
Seinfeld also made fun of Hernandez’s peculiar tootsie pop habit, where he opens it but doesn’t eat the whole thing. Instead, the leaves it on the desk on top of the wrapper so he can have it whenever he wants.
(Hey, he’s Keith Hernandez. He can do that.)
The comedian was pretty upbeat when asked about the Mets, despite the fact that they’re 39-49. But he acknowledged being an eternal optimist about his baseball team, saying, “Nobody agrees with me.”
Here’s part of his analysis of the Mets midway through the season:
“My feeling, I have to say, is very good. I know there’s been some tough patches, but I like the pieces that we have. I like the new guys. I like the energy. … You can’t not love these guys. I think if we can straighten the ship out in the pen, maybe we need some help out there or maybe these guys settle down and start being a little more effective, there’s no reason they can’t make a run.”
Seinfeld also got an autographed bat from Mets first baseman Pete Alonso — who hit a home run and went 2-for-4 with two RBI on Friday – and was pretty stoked about it.
