Channing Frye’s first pitch at Indians game does not go well

Former Arizona Wildcats star Channing Frye is making the most of his new status as a retired professional athlete. For better or worse.

Frye, who retired in April after 14 NBA seasons, was recently in town to host his alma mater’s annual CATSYS student-athlete awards banquet, checking out some of his old haunts along the way. And on Sunday he got a chance to throw out the first pitch at a Cleveland Indians game, getting a warm welcome from fans who remember his contribution to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title.

They probably still love him even after he showed off his … fastball:

Oh Channing noooo
pic.twitter.com/JRl34dtXM2

— Arizona Athletics (@AZATHLETICS) May 5, 2019

The throw itself would have been bad enough had Frye not welcomed karma’s influence earlier in the day while ‘breaking down’ some of the worst first pitches in MLB history:

.@channingfrye breaks down the worst first pitches. We'll see if he can do any better pic.twitter.com/4QuYgf2ImL

— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) May 5, 2019

Not surprisingly, friend and former Cavaliers teammate (and fellow ex-Wildcat) Richard Jefferson was quick to pounce on Frye’s errant throw:

Ohhhhhhh don’t even get me started https://t.co/K5sfgmC5qi

— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) May 5, 2019

The quick-witted guy that he is, Frye was quick to take to Twitter to explain his ‘pitch’ and also respond to some critics:

"You know what the real story is? I don't know if MLB has sanctioned it, but the BALL WAS GREASED!"

Cleveland loves you, Channing! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fAdwidkAEN

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) May 5, 2019

Now that’s it’s over! Thanks to the @Indians for having me out! Even though the Jersey was to small and it hindered my ridiculous fast ball i had a great time!

— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 5, 2019

Did y’all not get the tornado warning, right after i threw it! https://t.co/jMyTDFnaG7

— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 5, 2019

Damn a mayFly flew into my eye! https://t.co/LsddSkq63A

— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 5, 2019

Please get started! My arthritis kicked up in my hands! It’s a epidemic in America! https://t.co/xD7ga72Vfk

— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 5, 2019

Tendinitis in the knees kicked in! Way to make fun of the elderly https://t.co/VNW61XRgfq

— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) May 5, 2019

No word on whether Frye’s next post-retirement stop involves ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or something in that vein.

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