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Sports radio legend Mike Francesa blasts the Mets after 'Hawk Tuah' girl throws controversial first pitch
One of New York City's most recognizable voices on radio has reprimanded the New York Mets for inviting the 'Hawk Tuah' girl before Thursday's loss to the Oakland A's.
Mike Francesa - formerly the co-host of Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN (from 1989 to 2008) - questioned the Mets' marketing strategy for having the viral social media sensation, a.k.a Haliey Welch, throw the first pitch on 'camp day' in front of children at Citi Field.
'I know she's in her 15 minutes of fame, she just struck a chord and went viral with some sleazy answer to a man on the street questions,' Francesa, 70, said of Welch on his eponymous podcast on Friday.
He added: 'Knowing that that's the case that her fleeting fame was about something as suggestive as her answer was, what in the world would possess the Mets to bring her to throw out the first ball? And, on top of it, on camp day.
'[...] You have heard me say on numerous occasions, and it's continued through the ownership change, that the Mets could screw up a one-car tunnel.'
Internet personality Haliey Welch sparked criticism from one of NY's biggest radio celebrities
Francesca later implied that the Mets employee who made the arrangements to have Welch on the mound got the boot, although that was just pure speculation.
'Whoever in the marketing or promotional department decided it was a good idea to bring this girl in and glorify her and shine the spotlight on her and let her throw the first pitch, which got them utterly destroyed from coast to coast, what the hell are they thinking,' Francesa wondered.
The Mets lost in front of the 'Hawk Tuah' girl in embarrassing fashion, considering that they led 5-0 after three innings only to be edged out 7-6 for their fifth defeat in their six games.
Mike Francesa - formerly the co-host of Mike & the Mad Dog - questioned the Mets' marketing
Francesa continued: 'Could you imagine when the owner is explaining to his wife exactly who this girl is?'
Welch's appearance at Citi Field sparked contrasting opinions on social media.
A Mets beat reporter for Newsday also claimed that he wasn't allowed to refer to Welch as the 'Hawk Tuah' girl in his report of Thursday's game.
Despite all of that, Welch revealed that she was at the Mets game - her first time ever at a ballpark, as well - to raise awareness for America's Vet Dogs - a charity which helps place service animals with military veterans and first responders.