The Minnesota Vikings traded up in the 2024 NFL Draft to ensure JJ McCarthy was locked in as their quarterback of the future. But whenever he makes his debut, the Vikings will need McCarthy to show a bit more as a thrower than he did on Tuesday.
The quarterback had the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial before the Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays matchup. His attempt was just a bit outside.
While the spectators in attendance certainly weren't impressed, fans across social media made sure to get their McCarthy jokes in.
“JJ McCarthy showed Ponder-esqe accuracy on that first pitch,” @donnelly612 said on X.
“Is today the day Vikings Twitter says the season is already toast and everyone should be fired because JJ McCarthy s**t the bed on a ceremonial first pitch or nah?” @sudsy911 added.
“Are we sure JJ McCarthy wasn't just working on his footwork in that first pitch?” @TheRealCrishad said.
“How come nobody is surprised that JJ McCarthy's first pitch was low, outside and missed the catcher completely,” @DaveMartin87 opined.
X user @BenAlfveby cut right to the chase saying simply, “Yikes, horrendous first pitch from JJ McCarthy.”
Luckily for McCarthy, he wasn't the only Viking to catch some first pitch flack. Fellow first-rounder Dallas Turner also threw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Twins game. It came just before McCarthy threw his, but it was equally as bad.
Once the first pitches were over, Minnesota went on to take down Tampa Bay 8-7. Carlos Santana hit a walk-off single to send Twins fans home happy.
While it made for some good jokes, the Vikings nor their fans are actually concerned about McCarthy or Turner's performances. They're paid to play football. If anything, it'll make for some comical film to watch back in the locker room.
If either perform how Minnesota is hoping, they'll likely get an invite back to Target Field. Then they can try to recover from their infamous first pitch debuts.
Vikings hoping to match Twins
With the victory – which marked their sixth straight – the Twins moved to 41-32 on the season. They sit 4.5 games back of the AL Central leading Cleveland Guardians. However, if the season were to end on June 19, Minnesota would earn a Wild Card spot. Point is, the Twins are pushing for a spot in the playoffs.
Which is exactly where the Vikings want to be. Injuries held Minnesota back in 2023, although they still mustered a 7-10 record. Still, it marked the third time in the past four seasons in which the Vikings weren't in the postseason. Head coach Kevin O'Connell is looking to spur another playoff run in year three of his tenure.
Barring a transformative training camp, it seems unlikely that JJ McCarthy will start the year under center. Veteran Sam Darnold is poised to enter camp as the QB1. Still, he is now a crucial part of Minnesota's future and a player the team plans to build around.
While his first pitch wasn't good, McCarthy is still getting acclimated to his new home. He's hopeful his work on the field shows fans what he can really do. When the Vikings give him an opportunity, he'll be more ready than when the Twins called. Dallas Turner is looking to follow suit.
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