St. Johns stars pass Mets Citi Field first-pitch test with flying colors

Ian Jackson couldn’t remember the last time he picked up a baseball.Ruben Prey had never worn a glove before.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Zach Braziller about the inside buzz on St.

John’s.But neither St.

John’s player was interested in creating a viral moment and pulling a 50 Cent.Not only did they avoid that, but they combined for an impressive ceremonial first pitch ahead of the Mets’ 4-2 win over the Marlins on Thursday night at Citi Field.Jackson threw a strike, and Prey caught it.“I didn’t want to be embarrassed, man.

I want to be good at everything I do,” the beaming Jackson, wearing a No.11 Mets jersey, said afterward.

“I heard 50 Cent wasn’t the best.I wasn’t going to do that.

It was fun.I have adrenaline built up right now.”Jackson, a Bronx native and admitted Yankees fan, is the third St.

John’s player to throw out a first pitch before a Mets game, following Zuby Ejiofor and Dylan Darling.He probably threw the best one.

Because of a rain delay, the two were able to get in a few warm-up throws, which helped.When he was approached about the idea, the 6-foot-11 Prey thought to himself: “Awesome.… It’s going to be a fun experience.”The Johnnies’ new-look roster was on hand, hosted by the Mets.

Under Rick Pitino, St.John’s has become a major brand in the area.“It’s great, especially being from New York,” Jackson said.

“Kind of build something great here at home.It’s amazing to be a part of that.”There are high hopes for the Johnnies after winning back-to-back Big East regular-season and postseason titles.

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