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

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.

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