The Nationals are turning to a southpaw for Monday afternoon's opener in President Barack Obama.
However, this isn't your average toss. When Obama winds up and fires a four-seamer at around 1 p.m. ET on Monday afternoon, it will mark the 100th anniversary of the honorable tradition.
In 1910, President William Howard Taft started the tradition when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Washington Senators opener at Griffith Stadium. Obama threw out the first pitch at the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis — his first as the nation's leader. This will be his inaugural first pitch in Washington.
"I did not play organized baseball when I was a kid, and so, you know, I think some of these natural moves aren't so natural to me," Obama told Chicagobreakingsports.com.
Obama likely won't be able to surpass President Franklin D. Roosevelt's record eight Opening-Day pitches. And if you're wondering if any of our US presidents ever got a second chance, they most certainly did. In 1950 Harry Truman threw out two ceremonial pitches — one from each hand. The lefty's right-handed toss wasn't up to par so he fired another one in southpaw.
