Aug 21, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees former player Paul O'Neil throws out the first pitch to Jorge Posada before the game between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Yankees Legend Paul O'Neill Botches First Pitch Ahead of World Series Game 4

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Oct 29, 2024 9:05 PM ET

Paul O'Neill made plenty of fond memories in the World Series over the course of his big league career.

His showing on Tuesday night likely won't be one of them.

O'Neill was given the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 4 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. As a five-time champion – once with the Cincinnati Reds and four times with the Yankees – O'Neill was an easy choice to represent the team as they looked to avoid elimination.

The 61-year-old former right fielder took the mound with A.J. Burnett set up behind the plate. He then proceeded to airmail the ball over Burnett's head.

O'Neill's first pitch was so brutal that he asked for a re-do. On his second try, O'Neill threw it in the dirt.

Paul O’Neill throws tonight’s ceremonial first pitches in the general direction of A.J. Burnett: pic.twitter.com/kZs7WgLUlp
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 30, 2024

O'Neill was a five-time All-Star between 1985 and 2001. He retired having racked up 2,105 hits, 281 home runs, 1,269 RBI, a .288 batting average, an .833 OPS and a 38.9 WAR in his career.

Naturally, fans and pundits alike were shocked by O'Neill's showing. It was also held up as a bad omen for the Yankees, who already entered Tuesday down 3-0 in the series.

Paul O'Neill just YEETED the first pitch like 20 feet over AJ Burnett's head. I don't know if the Yanks are ever winning again.
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) October 29, 2024

Paul O'Neill's first attempt at the first pitch went against the backstop. His second bounced at the feet of the catcher, A.J. Burnett. If you think that might be an omen, remember, Derek Jeter threw accurately on his first pitch before the Yankees lost Game 3.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 30, 2024

Judge stinks, Paul O’Neill launches his first pitch, Fat Joe trampling on the mound, out of control fans ripping balls from players, Nestor Cortes. Tough series
— nugget chef (@jayhaykid) October 30, 2024

The Dodgers currently lead the Yankees 2-1 in the third inning.

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