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Maple Leafs star Matthews chirped by teammates before and after throwing pitch at Jays game

NHL's goals champ said he felt small standing next to Aaron Judge

Maple Leafs star Auston Mattews throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre on Sept. 27, 2022.
Maple Leafs star Auston Mattews throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the New York Yankees and the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre on Sept. 27, 2022. Photo by Mark Blinch /Getty Images

Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews was chirped a bit by his teammates before and after throwing out the first pitch at Tuesday’s Blue Jays game against the New York Yankees.

The NHL MVP and Rocket Richard winner used to play baseball in his youth in Arizona and his father, Brian, was a good baseball player, but Matthews said he wasn’t really a pitcher and said he hadn’t thrown a ball in a while.

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Matthews didn’t fire the ball in to Jays pitcher Alek Manoah and it was a bit high, but he had fun nonetheless.

LInemate Mitch Marner had joked he thought it would be “fun” if Matthews made a terrible throw and said the Leafs would “get on” Matthews. Marner threw out the first pitch at a Blue Jays game in 2017.

Added Morgan Rielly: “I think you got to put a little pressure on him. Maybe he puts one in the dirt. That’d be nice.”

A day later, Matthews told reporters he wanted to throw off the mound, but “the mascot wouldn’t let me.”

Matthews wanted to throw off the mound last night but “the mascot wouldn’t let me”. Added he’s never felt smaller than standing next to Aaron Judge for a photo.

— Lance Hornby 🇺🇦 (@sunhornby) September 28, 2022

Matthews quit baseball at 13, but was a home run hitter and belted one out at batting practice at Rogers Centre in 2017, which adds to his appreciation of Aaron Judge. Matthews got to meet the imposing Judge on Tuesday and said it made him feel small.

Marner, who joined the pre-game Judge convo with Matthews and Bunting, says Judge was up on his hockey knowledge, saw some NY Ranger games, has watched Matthews goals and appreciates they’re both in the “60 club”.

— Lance Hornby 🇺🇦 (@sunhornby) September 28, 2022