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Explaining Kevin James' Mets game intro: Actor imitates viral 'Start Your Engines' command to fire up Citi Field

What do baseball and NASCAR have in common?

Apparently Kevin James.

The actor and well-known Mets fan was asked to throw out the first pitch at New York's game against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. After a majestic throw to home plate, James was offered the microphone to give the crowd a modified version of one of the most memorable “start your engines” moments in recent racing history.

Here's everything you need to know about James' unique intro to the Mets game, in which the actor references a viral moment at the 2007 Daytona 500 to pump up the New York crowd.

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Explanation of Kevin James' Mets game introduction

James's recall before the Mets game was a nod to his equally passionate performance at the Daytona 500 in 2007, where he begins with the same two statements.

“God bless our troops, God bless America,” he says in both cases.

But instead of ending with “Gentlemen, start your engines” like in Daytona, James adds a clever tribute to his favorite baseball team and opens the game with a loud roar.

“God bless the New York Mets, and gentlemen, let’s play ball!” he finishes as the crowd roars back.

Kevin James 'Gentlemen, start your engines!' command

The actor was given the role of Grand Marshal at the 2007 Daytona 500 and he took the role very seriously – so seriously that he created one of the most significant commands in NASCAR history.

After blessing America and the troops, James became so passionate in his announcement that he practically shouted, “Gentlemen, start your engines” into the microphone.

“If you ever get the chance to take command, this is the lesson you should follow,” the commentator said afterward.

And judging by his performance in Tuesday's Mets game, James has clearly followed his own example.

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Kevin James Meme

In addition to providing legendary openings for sporting events, James also happens to be the face of a popular meme that made the rounds on the internet in the fall of 2023.

The photo of him grinning in a 1998 commercial for the sitcom “King of Queens” became a reaction photo, used to describe situations that fit the comedian’s unique facial expression and hands-in-pocket posture.

Here are some of the best posts featuring James' likeness from the trend.

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