Advertisement

Trump won't throw out Opening Day first pitch for Nationals

By The Sports Xchange
President George W. Bush throws the first pitch at the Washington Nationals opening day game on March 30, 2008. (UPI Photo/Kristoffer Tripplaar/Pool)
1 of 2 | President George W. Bush throws the first pitch at the Washington Nationals opening day game on March 30, 2008. (UPI Photo/Kristoffer Tripplaar/Pool) | License Photo

President Donald Trump will not participate in the longstanding tradition of presidents throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at Washington Opening Day games due to a scheduling conflict.

Trump, who was inaugurated on Jan. 20, was extended an invitation by the Nationals but declined, a team spokesman told ESPN.

Advertisement

Washington opens its season on Monday against the Miami Marlins.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush threw out ceremonial first pitches at Nationals games previously, but not every year of their terms.

William Howard Taft was the first president to throw out a ceremonial first pitch for the Washington Senators in 1910. Thirteen presidents in all have thrown out ceremonial first pitches for the Nationals and Senators franchises.

A previous version of this story incorrectly said Trump was breaking a 107-year-old tradition. But previous presidents every year.>have not participated

Latest Headlines