Johnny Damon and Emma Slater step up to the plate next, dancing the foxtrot to “Centerfield” by John Fogerty.
Bruno Tonioli says it was a complicated routine, but adds that he will get better. Carrie Ann Inaba says he’s “adorable,” but warns him to watch his frame. Len Goodman tells him to improve his hold, but salutes him for doing the foxtrot the first week. They score an 18.
Watch Johnny Damon and Emma Slater’s Baseball-Themed Foxtrot
Welcome to season 26 of “Dancing with the Stars”! Athletes are swapping their sneakers for sequins as the new four-week season kicks off tonight. Sports stars will compete for the sought-after Mirrorball trophy in this special all-athlete edition. Ten couples will perform a cha cha, salsa, Viennese waltz, or foxtrot during the two-hour premiere, and by the end of the show, two participants will be eliminated based on live voting and judges’ scores.
Dancing with the Stars Social Media Reactions
I like this Johnny guy's spirit! #DWTS
— Angie C. (@Music_Is_Me88) May 1, 2018
A solid performance from Johnny Damon. I like his personality and his spirit. #DWTS
— Kadey, Muppet of a Woman (@kadeyobe10) May 1, 2018
Okay Johnny was waaayy better than I expected #dwts
— Michelle 🌸 (@ShellyBaby_13) May 1, 2018
That was fun! And Johnny IS full of personality! I liked it! #DWTS
— Evaine 🇨🇦 (@MetEvaine) May 1, 2018
"Put me in coach, I'm ready to play"
Awww, so fun!!! ⚾️
You Go Johnny! #DWTS
@DancingABC— cyñdylou👻||| Braves: '21 World Series Champs🏆⚾️ (@705Cinder) May 1, 2018
Johnny impressed me with his dancing. He definitely has room for improvement, but good for not having any dance experience he did good. #DWTS
— T (@cattybitch101) May 1, 2018
Johnny is so endearing. I think with more training, he could have a promising journey on this show. #DWTS
— ✨ Haley ✨ (@alohaleymora) May 1, 2018
Damon is a retired MLB outfielder. According to ABC, “Damon is one of the most outstanding, respected and durable players in MLB. After winning the 2004 World Series with the Boston Red Sox and achieving legendary superstar status in New England, Johnny signed with the New York Yankees in 2006. In 2009, he won a World Series with the Yankees, joining Babe Ruth, to be the only full-time, everyday players to achieve World Series rings with both the Red Sox and Yankees.”
“Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” is hosted by Tom Bergeron and sports broadcaster Erin Andrews. The judging panel is composed of ballroom experts Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Their scores, along with America’s votes, determine who gets to stay and who is sent home as couples vie for the coveted Mirrorball trophy during the special, four-week season.
The current contestants include Olympic figure skaters Adam Rippon and Mirai Nagasu, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Notre Dame basketball player Arike Ogunbowale. Other athletes who are competing this season include Chris Mazdzer, Jamie Anderson, Jennie Finch, Johnny Damon, Josh Norman and Tonya Harding.
The all-athlete edition of “Dancing with the Stars” airs every Monday night at 8 p.m. on ABC.
What did you think of their performance tonight? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: ABC