Fernando Mendoza, the quarterback projected to be the top selection in Thursday's NFL Draft, has found himself at the centre of an unexpected online controversy following his appearance at a Miami Marlins baseball game. The 22-year-old former Indiana star was honoured with throwing the ceremonial first pitch at LoanDepot Park on Tuesday before the Marlins faced the St. Louis Cardinals, an event that has since divided sports fans across social media platforms.
A Pitch That Divided Opinion
While Mendoza executed the ceremonial duty without missing his target, his distinctive throwing technique immediately caught the attention of observers. The quarterback, whose arm talent is rarely questioned on the football field, displayed what many described as a distinctly football-oriented throwing motion when attempting the baseball pitch.
This stylistic choice prompted a wave of commentary across social media, with users expressing sharply contrasting views about Mendoza's baseball abilities. One critic posted on X: 'Raiders should pass on him. What an embarrassment not being able to throw a baseball,' while another remarked: 'Never seen a more football pass baseball throw, hey don't mess with the day job.'
Defenders Rally Behind the Quarterback
However, numerous supporters quickly came to Mendoza's defense, pointing out that his primary expertise lies in football rather than baseball. 'Almost all QB's throw a baseball like they throw a football. What do you expect?' argued one defender. Another observed: 'He doesn't look like he's struggling. He looks like he's throwing a baseball like a football.'
Some commentators adopted a more humorous perspective, with one joking: 'Yeah agree, one would have thought with no warm-up he would have hummed a 95 mph fastball for a strike!' while another sarcastically questioned: 'Is it possible that he was, yknow, not trying very hard?'
Draft Night Plans Centered on Family
Amidst the online debate about his baseball technique, Mendoza has revealed that he will not be attending the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh on Thursday, when the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select him with the first overall pick. Instead, the quarterback will watch the proceedings from his Miami home surrounded by family and friends.
Mendoza explained this decision was motivated by family considerations, particularly concerning his mother, Elsa, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately eighteen years ago. Her health challenges were further complicated by a Covid-19 diagnosis that marked a 'downhill' turn in her condition.
'Pittsburgh is a great opportunity and it's a great venue, and I'm really excited to see most of the guys walk across the stage on Thursday night,' Mendoza stated during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. 'However, my mom really wanted to do it at home, and so did my parents. It was a lot easier for us, especially with the family situation.'
A Celebration of Support Networks
The quarterback emphasized that his decision to remain in Miami was about celebrating with those who have supported his journey from the beginning. 'I wanted to stay and make the memory with everybody who poured into my football journey,' Mendoza explained. 'Mentors, coaches, family, friends - to be able to share that moment with all of them, is going to be the best memory that I can make.'
While the Mendoza family will not be celebrating in Pittsburgh, the quarterback confirmed they plan to host a substantial gathering in South Florida to mark what is expected to be a landmark moment in his athletic career. This personal approach to draft night underscores the quarterback's commitment to family and community even as he stands on the brink of professional football stardom.
