The Second Gentleman of the United States Doug Emhoff was at the Nats Park on Saturday for the Major League Baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Colorado Rockies. Emhoff, who is the husband of US vice-president Kamala Harris, threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game.
The Nationals tweeted a video of the pitch on social media.
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“Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivered a strike with his ceremonial first pitch at Nats Park this afternoon. @SecondGentleman #NATITUDE,” the Nationals tweeted.
Before the game, the Nationals had said in another tweet that the team was honoured to have the Second Gentleman throw the first pitch.
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“Honored to have @SecondGentleman Doug Emhoff throwing out today’s ceremonial first pitch!
#NATITUDE,” the tweet said.
The ceremonial first pitch is a longstanding ritual in the baseball world. According to the tradition, a guest of honor throws a ball to mark the end of pregame festivities and the start of the game. Though the tradition dates back to the late 19th century, it really took off when then US President William Howard Taft threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Senators’ Opening Day at Griffith Stadium in 1910.
When the tradition first started, the guest threw a game ball from his or her place in the grandstand to the pitcher or catcher of the home team to mark the start of the game. This tradition was modified however after President Ronald Reagan threw the first pitch on the field at an unscheduled appearance at a Baltimore Orioles game.
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The Nationals are at the bottom of the National League East division table with just 60 wins in 147 games. The team has lost 87 games this MLB season.
The Colorado Rockies are not in a great shape either as they are fourth in the National League West division with 69 wins and 78 loses.