U.S. Presidents and Baseball

President John F. Kennedy was the opening day pitcher on April 10, 1961. Instead of a mere toss of the ball, the President delivered a long high throw. At the age of 43, Mr. Kennedy became the youngest president participating in this baseball tradition.

President Herbert Hoover was known as an expert on batting averages.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a smiling spectator who seemed to enjoy the home runs but did not appreciate the game's finer points.

President Harry S. Truman was an ambidextrous pitcher, using his left arm one year, and his right arm the next year. He said he preferred his southpaw delivery.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower looped a high throw on opening day in 1953.