William Howard Taft threw out that first pitch 100 years ago. He threw out the first pitch the following year as well, however in 1912, he was too busy with a more important matter, the sinking of the 'Titanic'
The first baseball team to be invited to the White House was a group of all-stars touring the U.S.. They were invited in 1865 by President Andrew Johnson. The same year that previous President, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
The Cincinnati Red Stockings were the first professional team to see the White House. Ulysses Grant invited them in 1869.
The Washington Senators had the first pitch thrown by Presidents 40 times. They went 20-20 in those games. Vice Presidents did not fare as well, the Senators went 1-5 when they would fill in for their boss.
Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to get a lifetime pass for all baseball games. It was never used. Roosevelt never liked the game.
Wars affected Presidents and the throwing of first pitches. Woodrow Wilson threw out a first pitch once during World War I. Franklin Roosevelt never threw out the first pitch during World War II
Herbert Hoover served as President during the depression. He never missed an opening day during his four year term. The only other President not to miss a chance at throwing out the first pitch was John F Kennedy.
Since Taft, the only Presidents that have never thrown a first pitch are Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. Obama is also the first President to have a name, first and last, not used by a single Major League player.
Calvin Coolidge was the first to throw out the first pitch of a World Series. He also becomes the first to award an MVP (Walter Johnson) award
Franklin Roosevelt is the first to throw out a pitch at an all-star game. Roosevelt threw seven first pitches during his terms. Eisenhower would throw first pitches in seven of the eight years in office
The Orioles have had presidential first pitches seven times. President Reagan sat in their dugout after throwing his first pitch. Reagan would also broadcast a game for more than an inning, something he did earlier in his life.
Harry Truman is the first President to throw two first pitches. One with each hand. Truman is also the first President throwing a first pitch that is/was a natural southpaw. He has always been a Joe Sambito favorite.
In 1993, Bill Clinton becomes the first President to throw a first pitch from the pitchers rubber to the catcher at home plate.
There has only been one first pitch thrown on the west coast to open baseball season. That was done by Nixon at a California Angels opener.
Clinton and Al Gore became the first President and vice president to attend a game together. Cal Ripkens 2131st game.
Not the normal Stuff, I know.
Sorry for the boredom for some, but for all of us, a reminder that the first pitch is just four weeks away.
[ March 08, 2010, 08:53 PM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]
