Netflix’s MLB Opening Day Debut Features Bizarre First Pitch Fans Didn’t Expect
Netflix kicked off its new era as a Major League Baseball broadcaster in memorable — and divisive — fashion on Opening Night of the 2026 season.
Before a single pitch was thrown in the game between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, the streaming giant drew sharp criticism for a promotional stunt that many fans called a step too far.
The source of the controversy? A character called Thing — a disembodied hand from Netflix’s popular series Wednesday — delivered the ceremonial first pitch in the MLB broadcast debut.
A Skateboard, a Thing, and a Bag of Popcorn
The moment was intended as a promotional crossover gimmick, blending Netflix’s entertainment brand with the tradition of baseball’s opening ceremonies. But for many fans tuning in, it landed with a thud.
A video shared by Jomboy Media showed Thing mounted on a skateboard as it made its way on the field. The popular baseball media account didn’t hold back in its caption.
“Imagine telling Babe Ruth this is who would be throwing out the first pitch to open the 2026 MLB season,” Jomboy Media wrote.
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.
MLB Fans Push Back Online
The reaction online was overwhelmingly negative, with many fans questioning Netflix’s decision to turn a beloved baseball tradition into a marketing opportunity.
“Netflix had the corniest everything for an MLB opening might,” one fan wrote.
“Let’s make baseball harder to view by exclusively having it on a streaming platform,” another fan wrote. “Lets also have a non human promotional ad of a show on that platform throw out the first pitch.”
“Ewe that’s so creepy,” a third fan commented.
Others tried to find middle ground but still expressed frustration with the spectacle overtaking the sport itself.
“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 added.
The comments reflected a tension between fans who want baseball to remain rooted in its traditions and a streaming platform eager to put its stamp on the sport.
Netflix’s Bigger MLB Play
The Thing’s first pitch wasn’t a random one-off. The stunt was part of Netflix’s effort to brand MLB broadcasts in a unique way, folding its entertainment properties into the sports experience.
The new Netflix deal includes a three-year package for Opening Night, the Home Run Derby and the Field of Dreams game — giving the platform a significant foothold in live sports broadcasting.
The promotional crossover also served a second purpose. The Thing’s first pitch was a ploy 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, the new season “has begun production near Dublin.”
Co-creator and co-showrunner Miles Millar offered a glimpse of what fans can expect in the press release.
“We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday,” Millar said. “We will be seeing more Addams family members and learning more family secrets in Season 3!”
With a three-year deal in place, Opening Night 2026 likely offered just a preview of how Netflix plans to weave its brand into baseball. Whether future broadcasts bring more stunts like the Thing’s first pitch — or whether fan backlash prompts a course correction — remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: Netflix’s first night in baseball got people talking, even if much of that conversation wasn’t about the game itself.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
