Pat Sajak thought he just went viral for all the wrong reason

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Pat Sajak is still alive and kicking.

The pensioner Wheel of Fortune The presenter turned to X (formerly known as Twitter) to clarify this after seeing his name go viral on the app on Wednesday, October 30. “I noticed that I was trendy. Thought I had died. “It turns out I’m fine,” the 78-year-old joked.

The TV personality's name actually made the rounds on social media because he was seen sitting behind home plate during Game 5 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. Many fans posted screenshots of Sajak, while others praised his attention to the game.

“Pat Sajak, sitting behind home plate, never leaving his seat, watching every pitch and not once visible on his phone, is the most admirable thing I've seen in years,” one fan shared. Sajak was also seen supporting his team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, at Dodger Stadium earlier in the series.

ABC's hit series aired on the same day Abbott Elementary School aired their Halloween episode “Costume Contest,” which included a nod to the TV legend. One of Abbott's teachers, Jacob (played by Chris Perfetti), paid homage to Sajak with his costume, which even included a large wheel. In one scene in the series, another teacher, Janine (Quinta Brunson), made a comment about Jacob's costume.

Janine recognizes him as Sajak and quips, “Although it's an interesting choice for you, considering his politics.” The comment refers to how liberal Jacob is as a character, which contrasts with Sajak's more conservative views. “Well, I retired from Elon Musk's Internet, and now sometimes it takes me weeks to figure these things out,” Jacob says, adding, “So, you know, I figured if I didn't know… .” before falling silent.

Other fans pointed out that it was a big night for Sajak, joking: “It's funny because he was trending on the sitcom too.” Abbott Elementary School had a character dressed as Pat Sajak at the exact time it was shown on television.

Sajak will be back at the wheel for his last hurrah when he hosts Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in 2025.