Sports Entertainment

SI Swimsuit models Camille Kostek, Christen Harper throw out first pitches at Mets game

By
Social Links for Jaclyn Hendricks
Published May 17, 2023, 1:50 p.m. ET

Take the bombshells out to the ballgame.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Camille Kostek, Christen Harper and one of this year’s cover stars, Brooks Nader, threw out the ceremonial first pitches before Tuesday’s Mets game at Citi Field.

The trio — all of whom are featured in the 2023 issue — tossed the balls to pitchers Drew Smith and Tylor Megill, as well as third baseman Eduardo Escobar.

(From left) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Brooks Nader, Christen Harper, and Camille Kostek throw out the first pitches before the Mets-Rays game on May 16, 2023.
(From left) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Brooks Nader, Christen Harper, and Camille Kostek throw out the first pitches before the Mets-Rays game on May 16, 2023. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Kostek, who appeared on the cover of the iconic publication in 2019, showed off her custom Mets jersey in social media posts while Harper, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s reigning Rookie of the Year, quipped on Instagram about being the “@mets newest starting pitcher.”

The Mets likely could have used an assist from the ladies as ace Justin Verlander — who signed with the team in December on a two-year, $86 million deal — was booed off of the mound at the top of the fifth inning in what was his Citi Field debut.

New York dropped to 20-23 following Tuesday’s 8-5 loss to the best-in-baseball Tampa Bay Rays (32-11).

(From left) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Brooks Nader, Christen Harper, and Camille Kostek throw out the first pitches before the Mets-Rays game on May 16, 2023.
The trio showed off their skills at Citi Field. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
(From left) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models Brooks Nader, Christen Harper, and Camille Kostek throw out the first pitches before the Mets-Rays game on May 16, 2023.
Brooks Nader, Christen Harper, and Camille Kostek were cheered on by the crowd. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Despite the Mets’ disappointing finish, Kostek, Harper and Nader are keeping the good vibes rolling as the latest issue drops this week.

Kostek, a TV personality who is also the longtime girlfriend of retired NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski, has spoken out about the impact Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has had on her life.

“The cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, that photo put me on the map internationally in 2019,” the former Patriots cheerleader told the mag.

“It literally changed my life. Whenever I’m feeling lost or looking for a new direction or not sure where I’m going to go next in life, that photo [is a] reminder of all the things I had to get through personally to be in a space where I could glow and be recognized.”

Christen Harper and Camille Kostek pose for a playful pic at Citi Field.
Christen Harper and Camille Kostek pose for a playful pic at Citi Field. Christen Harper/Instagram
Christen Harper smiles in her Mets jersey.
Christen Harper smiles in her Mets jersey. Christen Harper/Instagram
Camille Kostek shows off her "Kostek" Mets jersey at Citi Field.
Camille Kostek shows off her “Kostek” Mets jersey at Citi Field. Camille Kostek/Instagram

Harper, who got engaged to Lions quarterback Jared Goff last summer, offered a similar sentiment Monday on social media.

“@si_swimsuit is forever encouraging and uplifting women to go after their dreams and be the best version of themselves. This photo truly reminds me that anything is possible. Thank you endlessly,” she gushed.

Nader, who is making her fifth appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, is one of this year’s four cover stars, along with Martha Stewart, Megan Fox and Kim Petras.