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Najee’s Phillies pitch went way better than Akbar’s

He led by example.

By Nikki Lee
Najee Richardson's Phillies pitch

Posted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Monday, May 14, 2018

American Ninja Warrior Najee Richardson threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies on May 7. Host Akbar Gbajabiamila threw a “pitch” a few days later on May 10. Maybe Akbar should have studied Najee’s tactics.

Akbar’s pitch is a hit on the internet because it was downright awful. (Sorry, Akbar!) He threw the ball straight into the ground, where it bounced up and hit a photographer. It’s pretty funny.

Akbar "throws" the first pitch for the Phillies

Oh, Akbar Gbajabiamila... Maybe stick to Ninja Warrior! Footage courtesy of Philadelphia Phillies

Posted by American Ninja Warrior Nation on Thursday, May 10, 2018

But check out Najee’s pitch in the video above! After doing a back flip, he barely pauses before casually tossing the ball ALL the way to the mound. Pretty sure that was the goal.

Najee was one of only three Ninjas to make it to Stage Three of the American Ninja Warrior National Finals in season nine. While we’re not convinced the Phillies are about to draft him, Najee does seem to know how to stay focused in the face of all kinds of challenges.

Mitchell Leff/Philadelphia Phillies
Mitchell Leff/Philadelphia Phillies
Mitchell Leff/Philadelphia Phillies

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