The Los Angeles Angels joined a growing trend of sports teams playfully mocking Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, utilizing KISS legend Gene Simmons' ceremonial first pitches on Saturday. Simmons, along with bandmate Paul Stanley, tossed multiple first pitches before the Angels' game against the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium.
The Angels' social media account seized the opportunity, posting an image of Simmons on X with the caption: "He asked to throw a 5th pitch but we had to say no out of respect for Jayden Daniels."
This jab refers to a recent dispute where Daniels' legal team reportedly sent a cease-and-desist letter to Louisiana State University (LSU) over the university giving his former No. 5 jersey to another player. The incident has sparked numerous viral memes and online commentary.
The Angels were not the only Major League Baseball team to participate in the trend. Following their 4-1 victory over the Washington Nationals, the New York Mets' social media team posted on X: "Stopped at 4 out of respect for Jayden Daniels."
Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians posted, "Won by 5 because we’re not scared of Jayden Daniels," after their 6-1 win against the San Diego Padres. The Toronto Blue Jays also joined in after defeating the New York Yankees 4-1, sharing on X, "Scored 4 to honor Jayden Daniels’ 5."