Noah Syndergaard, a former MLB pitcher known for his time with the New York Mets, made waves recently by publicly supporting Donald Trump during an Oval Office ceremony for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. This comes as a surprise to many who recall his previous distaste for the former president.
Syndergaard, who once tweeted that “Baseball is my significant other,” has had a complex relationship with both the sport and public figures. Meeting Trump for the first time at the White House, he expressed a sense of awe: “It’s a dream come true, I’m riding this bliss in this moment.” Yet, he also faced backlash from fans who remember his earlier criticisms.
His career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Known affectionately as “Thor,” Syndergaard was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2010 before being traded to the Mets. He played with them from 2012 until 2019 and boasts a career record of 59 wins and 47 losses, along with a 3.71 ERA. However, injuries have plagued him—most notably Tommy John Surgery in 2020 impacted his performance significantly.
During the ceremony, Trump praised Syndergaard’s achievements: “Professional baseball pitcher, Noah Syndergaard, sometimes known as Thor, and he looks like Thor to me.” This moment highlighted how sports figures often cross paths with political narratives.
But beyond baseball stats and political endorsements lies Syndergaard’s personal life. His relationship with Alex Cooper was described as toxic and short-lived; they were together during her senior year at Boston University before parting ways. In 2017, after their breakup, he reaffirmed his commitment to baseball over personal relationships.
After the ceremony, he was seen playing catch with kids outside the White House—a reminder of his roots and love for the game despite all the complexities surrounding him.
The implications of his support for Trump may ripple through both his fanbase and career trajectory. As reactions unfold from various corners—some supportive, others critical—one thing remains clear: Syndergaard’s journey is far from straightforward. The next chapter will likely reveal how this unexpected endorsement affects his public image and professional endeavors.