On April 14, 1910, President William Howard Taft became the first U.S. president to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition.
Opening Day welcomes the new spring baseball season each year, a uniquely American tradition steeped in history and fanfare. And on this day in history, April 14, 1910, President William Howard Taft became the first U.S. president to throw out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game. Taft was first in a long line of presidents to have the honor. Nearly every president since Taft has thrown out the first pitch , with a few recent exceptions.
Taft enjoyed baseball as a spectator and had attended a Senators' baseball game during the 1909 season, according to MLB.com. Taft’s philosophy of the game offers an interesting perspective. Sportswriters became fans of Taft and his enthusiasm for baseball. 'I like for two reasons,' President Taft reportedly said.
As a man, Taft was 'large, jovial conscientious,' according to Whitehouse.gov. Caught in the 'intense battles' between progressives and conservatives, he received 'scant credit' for the achievements of his administration, that site notes. These achievements include signing the first tariff revision since 1897, establishing a postal savings system and forming the Interstate Commerce Commission, among others, according to Whitehousehistory.org. For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.
President Taft First Pitch Baseball Tradition History
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