Mets face resistance after 'Hawk Tuah Girl' throws first pitch; Viral star reacts

NEW YORK CITY – The New York Mets had a viral internet star throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday — and she has since defended her performance, as it certainly didn't receive the same love as Grimace's.

Hailey Welch, a 22-year-old from Tennessee, threw out the first pitch at Citi Field before the Mets' home game against the Oakland Athletics. Welch is better known online as “Hawk Tuah GIrl,” a reference to a YouTube interview that featured an “adult” conversation.

“The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto breaking records. Ruth, Mantle, Gehrig and the Mets have Grimace and now 'Hawk Tuah.' Come on, brother, I can't take it anymore, I can't take it anymore,” said Sal Licata of WFAN during his show Thursday. “It's ridiculous. And then you wonder why the fans are so angry and upset. It's embarrassing.”

While Licata railed against the Mets' “stunt,” some fans expressed concern that highlighting a viral PG-13 moment at the stadium did not fit with baseball's family-friendly atmosphere.

“On a day when the stadium is full of kids from summer camp, this guy was chosen to throw out the first pitch?!?” tweeted user @DTM_Woodworks.

“Try explaining to your kids who this is, Mets fans! Sorry. WOW!” wrote another X-user.

On Friday, Welch acknowledged that “the baseball community wasn't too happy to see her,” but told her followers that she wanted to use her pitch to raise money for charity.

“The main reason I went to the game was to raise awareness and support America’s [VetDogs]that matches dogs with war veterans to give them permanent homes,” she wrote.

“Ironically you made a semi-lewd joke and it went viral. But honestly every other interaction I've seen you've been a positive and uplifting person, I wish you nothing but success,” one X user replied.

The Mets ended the game by blowing a 5-0 lead against the A's and losing 7-6.