diff --git a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_throwing/register.lua b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_throwing/register.lua
index 8ef1c73bf1..3d8cc94cfa 100644
--- a/mods/ITEMS/mcl_throwing/register.lua
+++ b/mods/ITEMS/mcl_throwing/register.lua
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ local snowball_on_step = function(self, dtime)
 	local vel = self.object:get_velocity()
 	local node = minetest.get_node(pos)
 	local def = minetest.registered_nodes[node.name]
-	
+
 
 	-- Destroy when hitting a solid node
 	if self._lastpos.x~=nil then
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ local pearl_on_step = function(self, dtime)
 			self.object:remove()
 		-- Activate when hitting a solid node or a plant
 		elseif walkable or nn == "mcl_core:vine" or nn == "mcl_core:deadbush" or minetest.get_item_group(nn, "flower") ~= 0 or minetest.get_item_group(nn, "sapling") ~= 0 or minetest.get_item_group(nn, "plant") ~= 0 or minetest.get_item_group(nn, "mushroom") ~= 0 or not def then
-			local player = minetest.get_player_by_name(self._thrower)
+			local player = self._thrower and minetest.get_player_by_name(self._thrower)
 			if player then
 				-- Teleport and hurt player