So, here's the question: how much worse can these first pitches get? At some point someone is going to do something you never dreamed possible of a ceremonial first pitch, like strike oil, or completely forget to release the ball and fling themselves toward home plate. Either that, or they're just going to have to cancel first pitches altogether because this is getting out of hand.
It's even worse when the goofy mascot is involved, with its comically lifeless eyes and mono-expressive face. The disappointment and shame is amplified so much when you know the only reason a face is smiling is because that's the only face it can make. Body language doesn't lie, though, and both the pitcher and the mascot know what to do.
[MLB]