“Leave it to the Mets to mess up the national anthem on opening day,” lamented a fan on X, capturing the disbelief that swept through Citi Field during the Mets’ season opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26, 2026.

The game, which ended with a score of 11-7 in favor of the Mets, was marked not just by the excitement of a new season but also by a significant misstep from singer Christopher Jackson. Fans were left stunned when Jackson, who previously portrayed George Washington in the musical Hamilton, flubbed the national anthem, omitting the words “O’er the ramparts we watched.” This blunder prompted a wave of criticism on social media.

Another fan expressed their frustration, stating, “How do you play George Washington on Broadway and mess up the national anthem? What in the name of Francis Scott Key is going on here?” The sentiment echoed throughout the stadium, as many questioned how such a mistake could occur during such a high-profile event.

The Mets, however, managed to put the anthem mishap behind them as they took to the field. They scored five runs in the first inning against Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, setting a strong tone for the game. Bo Bichette, despite going hitless in four at-bats and striking out three times, managed to collect his first RBI as a member of the Mets.

Despite the excitement of the game, the anthem blunder remained a focal point for many fans. One remarked, “This is embarrassing on so many levels. Who in the Mets organization green lit this guy?” The criticism highlighted the high expectations fans have for performances at such significant events.

In the week leading up to the game, Jackson had performed the national anthem flawlessly at a New York Knicks game, raising further questions about the preparation for the Mets’ opener. “And even worse — if you know you’re going to sing the national anthem at an MLB Opening Day game, wouldn’t you practice?” another fan questioned, underscoring the disappointment felt by many.

As the season progresses, the Mets will look to build on their opening day victory while hoping to avoid further distractions. The performance of Carson Benge, MLB Pipeline’s No. 16 overall prospect, will be closely watched as he continues to develop, especially given his limited experience with only 131 games in the Minor Leagues.

With the excitement of the season underway, fans will be eager to see how the team responds to the early challenges and whether they can maintain their momentum despite the rocky start. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any changes to the anthem performance protocols for future games.

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