Obama To Throw First Pitch At All-Star Game
Mr. Obama will join Kennedy, Nixon and Ford as the fourth president to deliver the first pitch at an All-Star Game. The St. Louis Today reports that every president since Taft has delivered an opening pitch at either opening day or at an All-Star Game.
"Major League Baseball is truly honored that President Obama will be in attendance to throw out the first pitch at the 80th All-Star Game on July 14 in St. Louis," MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement reported on MLB.com
The president is also using the event to call attention to his "United We Serve" initiative to encourage community service this summer.
"The central theme of the 2009 All-Star Game is community service, celebrating the extraordinary work being done by ordinary people. We are thrilled that we can come together with President Obama, who has encouraged a renewed spirit of national service, and illustrate a call to action in our communities. President Obama will continue a great tradition that joins our nation's leader and the national pastime," Selig said.
Some potential all-stars are excited for the chance to meet Mr. Obama at the game.
"That would be nice if I get a chance to meet him," Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez told MLB.com. "But I've got to make it first. It would be fun to meet the president of the United States."
Mr. Obama will be the second president to deliver a first pitch at Busch Stadium, after former president George W. Bush did so on Opening Day 2004.