New York Mets giving 50 Cent a chance at redemption
By David Hill
After uncorking one of the worst first pitches ever seen, the New York Mets are giving rapper 50 Cent a chance at redemption.
Mostly everyone deserves a second chance. The New York Mets are showing that they believe in second chances as well.
Back on May 27, 2014, the Mets had rapper 50 Cent throw out the first pitch of their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It turned out to be a disaster, as he uncorked one of the worst first pitches of all time, the ball sailing far behind the left batter’s box and nearly striking a cameraman. That pitch was barely in the same zip code as Citi Field. It was, truly, a sight to behold.
That pitch has stayed with him, overshadowing his career. People remember him for that errant throw, even if they have not heard his music or would have known of him in any other manner. Understandably, he wants redemption, to prove that he is far better than that toss from 2014. Believing in second chances, the Mets will give him that shot at redemption.
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For his part, 50 Cent admitted to trying to do too much. He was looking to throw the ball as hard as he could, getting “too fancy” on the mound. And, as can be the case when trying to overthrow, he lost control of the ball. In this case, 50 Cent channeled his inner Daniel Bard or Rick Ankiel.
With this second chance comes a great deal of pressure. He admitted that the memory of that errant throw weighs on him, and that he is looking to make amends. Could he become too cautious with his throw, looking to just lob the ball up there? Could his next attempt be a 30 foot toss that ends up rolling a few feet short of the catcher? Pressure, especially self inflicted, can lead to mistakes.
Or, perhaps he will surprise everyone, including himself. Maybe that desire for redemption leads to a perfect strike, catching the heart of the plate and popping into the catcher’s glove. 50 Cent would then be able to get a baseball card of that pitch, The Redemption being everything he hoped it would be.
Then again, his next attempt could well end up behind the right handed batter’s box. Either way, when 50 Cent throws another first pitch at a New York Mets game, everyone will be patiently waiting to see what transpires.