J.J. McCarthy didn’t exactly give fans in Minnesota the best first impression with Wednesday’s ceremonial first pitch.
Taking the mound ahead of the Twins’ Tuesday night matchup vs. the Rays, McCarthy threw a ball that ended up all the way in the left-handed batter’s box.
Football fans were clowning the No. 10 pick on social media:
“[J.J.] McCarthy gonna fit right in with the Vikings,” a user joked.
“System Ceremonial First Pitch Thrower,” another tweeted.
“Nice pick,” a fan tagged the Vikings.
“That makes me feel very good about my first pitch in Target Field, which short-hopped right in front of the plate, and I’m no first round draft pick,” another person said.
“Honestly, this is a horrible sign and I wish it wasn’t,” another fan admitted.
“Lmao! Justin Jefferson fantasy owners are toast!!!!”
“He visualized a Packer in the batter’s box and beaned him,” a Vikings fan coped.
JJ McCarthy’s first pitch was….. not great. #SKOL pic.twitter.com/nKi0yXTrHY
— Declan Goff (@DexsTweets) June 18, 2024
McCarthy is currently slotted behind veteran Sam Darnold on Minnesota’s QB depth chart but head coach Kevin O’Connell said that the former Michigan Wolverine has grown a lot over the course of the offseason.
The Vikes have some really nice pieces to work with on the offensive side of the ball but it’s going to take some better throws than that to put up numbers in an increasingly crowded NFC North.