Risks too great for the POTUS

President Trump has declined an invitation to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Nationals first game next week. There is some risk to being out there in front of a large sellout crowd and millions on television - especially if you haven't had a serious catch in a number of years. The last time a President threw out a first pitch on the season opening day was President Obama in 2010.

One of the more stirring Presidential first pitches not on opening day was when President George W. Bush first pitch before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

It was about a month after 9/11. The city was still recovering from the downing of the World Trade Center. The city still smelled of the downed debris from the towers. Through it all the nation healed through the continuation of the National Past. The playing of the World Series was an emotional one as the NY Yankees reached the best of 7 series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There is a ESPN 30/30 special on that pitch. http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=13617860 . It is worth a watch.

On that night, President Bush strode out to the mound wearing a bullet proof vest under his jacket. There were no Secret Service around him. He acknowledged the crowd with a thumbs up and some waves, and then fired a strike. Stirring stuff.

President Trump has previously thrown out the first pitch (not opening day) in the past. In 2006, he threw out the first pitch before a Boston Red Sox/NY Yankees game in Boston.

The internet seems to be scrubbed of any video of the throw, but there is a picture or two. Not sure how that pitch turned out...

Maybe the President defined and limited his risk and decided it be best to pass on the opportunity.

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Over the weekend, I enjoyed a game or two during Spring Training in Arizona (a number of teams gather here and spend a month training and playing games around town). A friend of ours was in town, so we got some cheap lawn seats (bring your own blanket), had a hot dog and a beverage and enjoyed the sweet smell of the grass, the beautiful views and the games.