'U-S-A!' NFL QB throws out 1st pitch, hypes up Seattle crowd for World Cup

With the All-Star Game approaching -- don't forget to cast your vote! -- we're in the thick of baseball season, and it's glorious.

But something else that's glorious, particularly since this year marks the 250th birthday of the United States, is Team USA playing in the FIFA World Cup -- and on home soil, no less.

With soccer on his mind as he stepped onto the field at T-Mobile Park before the Mariners-Orioles game on Thursday afternoon, FOX Sports FIFA World Cup correspondent and NFL quarterback Jameis Winston -- in town for coverage of the match between U.S.A. and Australia next door at Seattle Stadium (also known as Lumen Field) on Friday -- decided to give his ceremonial first pitch some patriotic flavor.

"Here we go, Mariners fans!" said Winston, who was given a microphone after throwing out the first ball ahead of Seattle's 3-0 victory. "It's a beautiful day for baseball, and I am so happy and grateful to invite you to join me for the largest, loudest 'U-S-A!' chant of all time! I know it's baseball season, but [let's] cheer on Team USA right in that stadium, over there, against Australia!

"Please join me: U-S-A! U-S-A! ..."

While it might not have been the loudest "U-S-A" chant in history, it was definitely loud -- and we all know how high the decibel levels can get in the Pacific Northwest when it comes to sports.

Winston is well known for his exploits on the gridiron with Florida State and later in the NFL with the Buccaneers, Saints and now Giants. But he's got some history on the baseball diamond, as well. Winston was a star pitcher in high school, and he was even drafted by the Rangers back in 2012 before ultimately deciding to go to college, where he continued to pursue both football and baseball.

While he's remembered most for becoming the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy in 2013, Winston was also a star on the mound for the Seminoles, posting a 1.94 ERA over 41 relief appearances from 2013-14 and slashing .209/.356/.304 in 65 games as an outfielder.

So when Winston threw out the first pitch to fellow Florida State alum Cal Raleigh, he knew what he was doing. It was, unsurprisingly, a strong toss, and he got Seattle's star catcher to sign the baseball for him.

That's when he was given the mic, and it was time to get the fans hyped not only for Mariners baseball, but Team USA soccer.