Netflix’s first MLB broadcast included a strange first pitch by Thing from 'Wednesday,' leaving fans puzzled and questioning the crossover on opening day
The streaming giant made its MLB broadcast debut on Opening Night of the 2026 season — and kicked things off with a promotional stunt that sent the internet into an absolute spiral. Before the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants faced off at Oracle Park in San Francisco, the ceremonial first pitch wasn’t delivered by a sports legend, a local hero, or even a human being.
Yes, a hand threw out the first pitch of the 2026 MLB season. Welcome to the streaming era of baseball.The execution of the stunt is what makes the viral clips so rewatchable. A video shared by Jomboy Media showed Thing mounted on a skateboard as it made its way onto the field — a visual that’s equal parts absurd and delightful. The caption from Jomboy Media perfectly captured the moment’s surreal energy: “Imagine telling Babe Ruth this is who would be throwing out the first pitch to open the 2026 MLB season.” But that wasn’t the only clip making the rounds. Another video shared by Netflix showed Thing skating on top of the dugout before throwing a bag of popcorn to a fan — and yes, the fan caught it. Between the skateboard entrance, the dugout stroll, and the popcorn toss, the whole sequence played out like a mini Wednesday episode dropped right into the middle of a baseball broadcast.Predictably, the moment divided the internet. The reaction online was overwhelmingly negative, with many fans questioning Netflix’s decision to blend its entertainment IP with America’s pastime.Others took a more measured stance. “I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. I just want to watch baseball. I can compartmentalize all of the off-field moves/gimmicks, and enjoy the game,” another fan commented. “At least wait until Halloween time in October to do this,” a third fan added — a fair point about seasonal branding, if nothing else. And then came the jokes. “Looking forward to the 5th inning when they go downstairs to a Bridgerton actress lustily leering at Aaron Judge,” an X user quipped, riffing on Netflix’s deep roster of original programming.Here’s the thing : the stunt wasn’t just a random gimmick. It was a calculated move to spark buzz for the upcoming season of Wednesday. The streaming platform announced the new season in a press release on Feb. 26, 2026. While a release date has yet to be announced, we do know that the new season “has begun production near Dublin.”“We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday,” he said. “We will be seeing more Addams family members and learning more family secrets in Season 3!” More Addams family members and Dublin as a filming location? That alone is enough to keep fans counting down the days.The Thing stunt fits into a much larger picture. The new Netflix deal includes a three-year package for Opening Night, the Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game. That means Netflix isn’t just dipping a toe into live sports — it’s building a whole strategy around branding these broadcasts in its own unmistakable style. Using Thing to bridge the gap between Wednesday fandom and live baseball is exactly the kind of cross-platform thinking that streaming services are leaning into. Whether you loved the stunt or hated it, you’re talking about it — and you’re probably watching those clips one more time.
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