Mets fan Kevin James ‘apologizes’ for viral moment before Orioles game

The New York Mets brought in comedian Kevin James to throw out the first pitch on Tuesday. The game against the Orioles was too important to waste on anyone. James is a huge Mets fan, he is the King of Queens after all and also the author of a viral TikTok sound from 2007. He has the Moment and then subsequently “apologised” for this on social media.

“God bless America, God bless our troops, God bless the New York Mets! And, gentlemen, let's play!” The crowd at Citi Field roared in approval as James belted out the chant. Although it was a great start to the game, the Mets ended up losing 9-5.

The viral moment is another in Mets first pitch history. Just last week, Hawk Tuah's girl threw the first pitch before last week's game against the Athletics. The internet sensation came with America's Vet Dogs, a group that helps place dogs with veterans in need. The Mets were panned by pundits across town for letting someone with an inappropriate past throw the first pitch.

James will not provoke such reactions across New York. The popular actor has been a Mets fan for years and, as he himself said, simply loves baseball.

Mets' playoff chances after first pitch drama

After a week of debating the merits of starting pitchers in Queens, the Mets are looking to put that all behind them with James' return. The team hopes his speech will motivate them to embark on a great road trip to the West Coast after the series against the Orioles. They will play in back-to-back series against the Diamondbacks and Padres starting Thursday.

To make the playoffs, they must win at least four of their seven games this week against Arizona and San Diego, both of which are ahead of the Mets in the wild card standings and represent the last games New York will play against either team this season.

They also have a big decision to make regarding first baseman Pete Alonso. The hitter is about to become an unrestricted free agent and turned down a seven-year contract extension last season. Alonso responded by putting up one of his worst seasons in history, ranking last in all of baseball in batting average with runners in scoring position.

New general manager David Stearns will set the tone for his tenure with the Mets. After his tremendous success with the Brewers, Stearns inherits one of the most expensive payrolls in baseball. If they miss the playoffs and Alonso leaves, they could be considered favorites to land Juan Soto.

After spending 2024 in the Bronx, Soto will also become a free agent. The Mets could use the star outfielder to form a dynamic duo with shortstop Francisco Lindor. Steve Cohen has the money to spend and there are few players worth the money more than Soto. Expect the Mets to be in the conversation for Soto.

The Mets continue to make headlines as Kevin James recreated his iconic 2007 NASCAR moment before the game. Regardless of whether they make the playoffs or not, they will be the team to keep an eye on in the offseason.