President To Carry On With 100 Year Tradition

The President Of The United States will throw out the first pitch on Opening Day at Nationals Park on April 5th--marking the 100th Anniversary of President Howard Taft's initial toss on April 14th, 1910. We couldn't be more excited to know that President Barack Obama will be at Nationals Park next Monday afternoon for The Presidential First Pitch. The Nation's Capital and The Washington Senators began this baseball tradition and this special moment should be coveted as an event distinctive to Washington, D.C.--and our city--for years to come.

Good for The President to attend and participate.

Question: Will President Obama wear a Nationals Jacket?

Pre-Game Ceremonies will begin at 12:30PM for the 1:05PM start versus The Philadelphia Phillies

Here is the press release from the team:

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TO THROW CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH WHEN WASHINGTON NATIONALS HOST NL CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ON OPENING DAY

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to witness the historic event that marks the 100th anniversary of the first presidential pitch on the opening day of baseball season

March 29, 2010 (Washington, DC) - President of the United States Barack Obama will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. prior to the 2010 season opener between the Washington Nationals and the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, April 5 at 1:05 p.m.

“Opening Day of the baseball season is a special event for our country and its importance has been reinforced by the 100-year history of Presidential participation,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, who will be in attendance for the historic First Pitch. “I am proud that President Obama will continue the long Presidential tradition of throwing out the first pitch of Opening Day in Washington D.C.”

Obama’s appearance will mark the 100th anniversary of the first time a U.S. President threw an Opening Day first pitch and the 48th time a President has done so in Washington, D.C. On April 14, 1910, William Howard Taft began the tradition before the Washington Senators went on to defeat the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0 behind a one-hit, complete game shutout by Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson.

Therefore it’s only fitting that 100 years later, Washington once again faces their neighbors to the north in a highly-anticipated Opening Day showdown. This year, the Nationals made various changes during the offseason, adding plenty of new faces to the roster including Catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Pitchers Brian Bruney, Matt Capps and Jason Marquis, and Second Baseman Adam Kennedy. These and other new additions will join Nationals veterans Adam Dunn, Ryan Zimmerman and John Lannan, who will take the mound against Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Roy Halladay following pregame ceremonies that begin at 12:30 p.m.

"Across the country, Opening Day is a celebration of the return of hometown baseball and the glorious days of Spring," said Nationals Managing Principal Owner Theodore N. Lerner. "It’s a time of renewed hope and optimism for fans everywhere. The Lerner and Nationals family are honored that President Obama will mark that moment with us at the home of the national pastime in the nation’s capital."
Although individual tickets are no longer available, the club is offering 400 seats in sections 401 and 402 for only $5 starting at 10:00am on game day at Nationals Park Main Box Office. Due to enhanced security and an anticipated sold out crowd, fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy pregame festivities which include live music and kid’s activities.

Photo Credit--Larry Downing--Reuters