Viral “Hawk Tuah Girl” responds to backlash over her first pitch at Mets game

Haliey Welch, better known as the viral “Hawk Tuah Girl,” shared a post on social media after her first pitch at the New York Mets game on Thursday sparked a heated reaction.

Welch threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets' 7-6 loss to the Oakland Athletics, joining a long list of celebrities who have done so, from Eli Manning to Grimace. Welch, who was introduced to the crowd at Citi Field as a “viral sensation,” celebrated the exciting occasion with a chest bump with her friend afterward.

Hordes of angry fans immediately took to social media to complain about Welch's honor. Although the pitch itself was harmless, Welch's appearance at the game was highly controversial, as she became famous for a revealing comment she made in a viral video earlier this summer.

Welch responded to the backlash with a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) explaining why she went to the game in the first place and including a video.

“I guess some part of the baseball community wasn't particularly pleased to see me yesterday,” Welch wrote.

“The main reason I went to the game was to raise awareness and donate to America's Vet Dogs, an organization that matches dogs with war veterans to give them permanent homes.

Support me and donate to this amazing charity. I miss you already, mate.”

Baseball fans, conservative bloggers and culture warriors were upset, to say the least, after Welch's debut at Citi Field. Sal Licata, a commentator for New York City sports radio station WFAN, sharply criticized the franchise for sending Welch to the mound.

“It’s embarrassing,” Licata said“The product on the field is not good enough and you come up with these silly gimmicks that are a laughing stock!”

Mets sportswriter Tim Healy wrote on X during the game: “Update: I'm not allowed to mention on Newsday who threw out the first pitch for the Mets today.”

After the Mets (62-59) lost two of three games at home against the A's, they want to turn things around in Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. It is not yet known who will throw the first pitch.