Sports radio legend Mike Francesa blasts the Mets after ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl throws controversial first pitch
One of the most recognizable voices on radio in New York City has reprimanded the New York Mets for inviting the “Hawk Tuah” girl before Thursday’s loss to the Oakland A’s.
Mike Francesa – formerly co-host of Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN (from 1989 to 2008) – called the Mets’ marketing strategy into question when they had viral social media sensation aka Haliey Welch throw out the first pitch at “camp day” for kids at Citi Field.
“I know she’s had her fifteen minutes of fame. She just hit a nerve and went viral with a dirty answer to a guy’s question on the street,” Francesa, 70, said of Welch on Friday on his eponymous podcast.
He added: “Knowing that her fleeting fame was about something as suggestive as her answer, what on earth would possess the Mets to let her throw out the first pitch? And on the day of training camp, too.
‘[…] You’ve heard me say several times, and it’s continued after the change of ownership, that the Mets could ruin a single-car tunnel.
Internet personality Haliey Welch was criticized by one of New York’s biggest radio stars
Francesca later suggested that the Mets employee who made the arrangements to get Welch on the mound was fired, but that was pure speculation.
“Who in marketing or promotion ever decided it was a good idea to bring this girl in, idolize her, put her in the spotlight, and have her throw out the first pitch, and they were completely destroyed from coast to coast? What are they thinking?” Francesa wondered.
The Mets suffered an embarrassing loss to the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl, as they led 5-0 after three innings but were eventually defeated 7-6. It was their fifth loss in six games.
Mike Francesa – former co-host of Mike & the Mad Dog – questioned the Mets’ marketing
Francesa continued: ‘Can you imagine the owner having to explain to his wife exactly who this girl is?’
Welch’s performance at Citi Field sparked mixed opinions on social media.
A Mets reporter for Newsday also claimed he was not allowed to call Welch the “Hawk Tuah” girl in his coverage of Thursday’s game.
Despite this, Welch revealed that she was at the Mets game — her first time ever in a stadium — to raise awareness for America’s Vet Dogs, a charity that places service dogs with war veterans and first responders.