Detroit Lions 2024 first-round pick and cornerback Terrion Arnold had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Detroit Tigers game against the Washington Nationals on Thursday but didn't fare so well.
Arnold, who was taken with the No. 24 overall pick in this year's draft after the Lions traded up to get him, didn't get his pitch to the plate and bounced it well short. If not for a nice scoop by the catcher, the ball might have went to the back stop.
It certainly wasn't the worst first pitch we've ever seen at a baseball game, but it could have been better. Next time, Arnold should try a full wind up instead of throwing out of the stretch.
Terrion Arnold throws out the first pitch at Comerica Park pic.twitter.com/VKguiB81Nd
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) June 13, 2024
Perhaps he should've taken some pointers from Lions right tackle Penei Sewell, who fared much better when he threw out the first pitch ahead of the Tigers' Opening Day game.
Today's ceremonial 1st pitch is thrown by @Lions OT @peneisewell58! #RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/sYFtdWnWuX
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) April 5, 2024
Thankfully, we've seen a lot worse than Arnold's pitch from the likes of 50 Cent, Gary Dell'Abate and Chris Rock, so the rookie wasn't on that level of bad. Those three saw their first pitches end up in a different zip code.
It was a busy day for the rookie on Thursday. Prior to his first pitch, Arnold signed his four-year rookie deal that includes a fifth-year option. He was the last Lions selection to sign his contract.