The ceremonial first pitch is a long-established baseball ritual where the guest of honor throws the first pitch to open the MLB season. Originally, a special guest threw a ball from his/her place to the home team’s catcher or pitcher. This tradition was changed when US president Ronald Reagan was inaugurated, and he threw the first pitch in the ground to start the Baltimore Orioles game.
At present, the special guest stands in front of the pitcher’s hill and throws the ball towards home plate. Sometimes he or she stands on the hill like a pitcher.
The person who throws the ceremonial first pitch is mostly famous, including celebrity, dignitary, or former player.
When was the first pitch tradition introduced?
- A. 1800
- B. 1700
- C. 1870
- D. 1910
Exciting Facts about the Ceremonial First Pitches
Scroll down to find facts about the ceremonial first pitch
The First President Ceremonial First Pitch
Presidential first pitch is an American ritual that started in 1910. President William Howard Taft threw the first ceremonial ball at the Washington Senators Opening Day in Griffin Stadium. Every US president threw the ceremonial first pitch during their presidency. Their pitches could either be for Opening Day, the World Series, or the All-star Game.
The Most Presidential First Pitch
The 32nd president of the United States Franklin D. Roosevelt is recognized for throwing the maximum number of presidential first pitches, including those throws while he left office.
President Jimmy Carter Didn’t Throw the Presidential First Pitch
Apart from Trump, Jimmy Carter is the only US president who has not thrown the ceremonial first pitch for an Opening Day during his presidency. Later, he threw it when he left the office.
The Worst President First Pitches
Carl Lewis is the well-known American former field athlete in MLB history. But he threw the worst baseball first pitch and the ball landed into the dirt and the distance was only around 5 feet from the mound.
John Wall is an American professional basketball player who also remembered for throwing out the worst first pitch. The baseball landed about 6 feet to the left of the picture.
The best ceremonial first pitch
The US president threw the best and greatest ceremonial first pitches in history. Following Bush, Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Gerald Ford threw their best ceremonial first pitches.
President Who Threw the Pitch Left-Handed
In 1950, President Truman threw his first ceremonial first pitch left-handed on Opening Day. He threw 2 pitches left-handed and one from the right hand.
President Who Wore Gloves during the Ceremonial First Pitch
President Eisenhower loved golf more than baseball. He threw his first baseball pitch wearing gloves.
President Who Threw a Baseball Pitch Out of Us
George Bush was the first president to throw a baseball pitch out of the United States and prime minister Brian Mulroney of Canada to toss the first pitch on April 10, 1990.