Scheduled Mets first pitch is no Grimace but has fans grimacing

Open the wrong book found under the floorboards of a cabin, you can unleash demons. Call upon the right mascot to throw out the first pitch at a random June MLB game, you can turn the season around. This is what New York Mets fans were believing two months ago when the Grimace era began.

The goodwill from Grimace has since dissipated with the Mets bouncing in and out of a playoff position. We’ve gotten the rise of Jose Iglesias and his hit song OMG since. Now in need of something else, Friday’s scheduled first pitch doesn’t appear to be the answer.

Mets fans were grimacing at the promotional video showing musician and actor Jared Leto promoting his upcoming first pitch scheduled at Citi Field. Shield your eyes and cover your ears if you’re sensitive to cringe.

Mets fans should consider themselves lucky this promo video was shorter than the 30 seconds it takes to get to Mars

There are two kinds of people in this world. There are those who enjoy Leto’s art and those who are befuddled by him. A two-star celebrity whose success has included plenty of big acting roles on top of his musical career, the last time we saw him associated with a New York Met was when he carried a replica of his own head at the Met Gala. A frequent attendee, he toned things down in 2023 by dressing up like a giant cat.

I'll never understand why people enjoy soccer so much. I'll never comprehend how anyone's taste buds can like asparagus. I'll NEVER understand how anyone gets enjoyment out of the Met Gala costumes.

Leto is an entertainer. The performance promoting his first pitch, however, is less Requiem for a Dream and more Morbius. My So-Called Life? How about This So-Cold Vibe.

Plenty of Mets fans chimed in at this odd promotional video that isn’t funny, clever, or targeting the appropriate people.

The first pitch for the Mets has become something of lore. The infamy of the 50 Cent airmail is one extreme. The Grimace toss is something else. Where will Leto fall? Based on the first impression, don’t bet the farm on the Mets winning that night or maybe ever again.