Hailey Welch, also known as the Hawk-Tuah girl, threw out the first pitch at a Mets game on Thursday. The 22-year-old Tennessee native was present at Citi Field in Queens, New York, for the pre-game ceremonial act against the Athletics. The viral TikTok sensation has since drawn criticism online, with netizens urging the Mets to “do better.”

Girl from Hawk Tuah throws first pitch at Mets game

After Welch threw the pitch, she ran to her friend, who was also at the game. The two hugged and bumped chests to celebrate Welch’s ceremonial first pitch. While the Nashville resident seemed to be on cloud nine at Thursday’s game, the Mets’ decision to invite her sparked a huge debate online.

Welch rose to fame earlier this year after a video of her street interview with YouTubers Tim and Dee TV went viral on TikTok. Her unfiltered bedroom advice, “Hawk tuah and spit on that thing,” took social media by storm. Welch has since made money from fan events and selling her merchandise.

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Internet users urge the Mets to ‘do better’ after Hailey Welch throws the first pitch

Shortly after a clip of Welch’s Mets performance was shared online, netizens began criticizing the baseball team. “What a terrible, terrible decision to legitimize her and give her a platform,” wrote one X, former Twitter user. A second user asked, “We have 120 Olympic medalists and you chose her? Seriously?”

Meanwhile, a third commented: “I usually find stuff like this entertaining, but to bring it in during an afternoon game in the summer when there are thousands of kids at camp in that stadium? … Not so great… Someone didn’t plan this very well…” “Disgusting! Do better, Mets!” commented another user.