SNY
WFAN’s Sal Licata was furious with the New York Mets after the team invited the viral “Hawk Tuah girl” to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
The woman — whose real name is Hailey Welch — became an internet sensation overnight thanks to a video posted on TikTok. In the video, Welch said, “Hawk tuah,” to simulate the act of spitting during oral sex. The phrase briefly took over social media and has led to Welch making a number of public appearances across the country.
Looking to capitalize on the viral frenzy, the Mets had her throw the first pitch before Thursday’s game against the Oakland Athletics.
Hailey Welch throws out the first pitch at today’s Mets game pic.twitter.com/1iu8MzIlbz
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 15, 2024
To Licata, a Mets fan, it was proof that his team and the rival Yankees were headed in opposite directions.
“The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto breaking records!” he said on WFAN Sports Radio. “[Babe Ruth], [Lou Gehrig], [Mickey Mantle]; and the Mets have Grimace and now ‘Hawk Tuah’! Come on, bro! I can’t take it! I cannot take it anymore! It’s ridiculous! And then you wonder why fans get so ticked off and upset! It’s embarrassing!
“Is it the biggest deal in the world? No, absolutely. Does it mean anything on the field? No, but that’s the problem! The product on the field isn’t good enough, and you’re coming up with these silly gimmicks that are a laughingstock! It’s a joke, ‘Hawk Tuah.””
.@sal_licata absolutely loses it after seeing the “Hawk Tuah girl” throw out the Mets ceremonial first pitch 😂 pic.twitter.com/yiqo7zVfOz
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) August 15, 2024
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