Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis delivered one of the most awkward ceremonial first pitches in recent memory on Friday night at LoanDepot Park before the Marlins’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The former Green Bay Packers backup, who signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with Miami in the offseason, stepped to the mound wearing a glove and executed a full wind-up from the rubber. His throw sailed high and well to the right, missing the catcher by several yards and striking the backstop on the fly.
Social media quickly lit up with the MLB account posting the clip alongside the understated caption “just a bit high.”
Dolphins fans expressed immediate concern online, with some calling the effort “horrendous” and questioning the optics for a quarterback expected to compete under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
One observer noted it was “a long way until Willis throws a meaningful pass for the Dolphins,” adding that the mishap was hardly the ideal introduction to South Florida sports.
While Willis has shown athleticism throughout his NFL career, the errant baseball toss provided an unintended moment of levity — and mild panic — for a franchise still building expectations around its newest signal-caller.
