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Ceremonial first pitch
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Woodrow Wilson, 1916
Richard Nixon, 1969
Ronald Reagan, 1988
George W. Bush, 2001 World Series

The ceremonial first pitch is a longstanding event in baseball in which a guest of honor throws a ball to mark the end of pregame festivities and the start of the game. Originally, the guest threw a ball from their seat in the grandstand to the pitcher or catcher of the home team, but the ritual changed after United States President Ronald Reagan threw the first pitch on the field at an unscheduled appearance at a 1988 Baltimore Orioles game. Now, the guest stands on or in front of the pitcher's mound and throws towards home plate. The recipient of the pitch is usually a player from the home team.

The ceremonial thrower may be a notable person (dignitary, celebrity, former player, etc.) who is in attendance, an executive from a company that sponsors the team (especially when that company has sponsored that night's promotional giveaway), or a person who won the first pitch opportunity as a contest prize. Often, especially in the minor leagues, multiple first pitches are made.

History

[edit]

The practice of having ceremonial first pitches dates back to at least 1890, when throwers were often a mayor, governor, or other locally notable individual.[1] Ohio Governor (and future U.S. president) William McKinley, for example, "threw the ball into the diamond" before an opening day game between Toledo and Columbus in 1892.[2] Former Japanese Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the first game of an American All-Star team's tour of Japan in 1908, making him possibly the first person who had served as a national head of government to throw out a first pitch.[1][3]

Ceremonial first pitches during the World Series are subject to the Commissioner of Baseball's approval. Section 7.13 of the World Series Manual states, "All first-ball throwers are subject to final approval of the commissioner. Recommendations are solicited from the participating clubs, but no commitments should be made until approval has been received. The use of politicians, movie stars, etc., will not be approved except in rare or unusual circumstances." Baltimore Orioles owner Jerold Hoffberger was fined $2,500 for allowing Maryland Governor Harry Hughes to throw out the first pitch before Game 2 of the 1979 World Series over the objections of Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.[4]

On April 23, 2012, the Texas Rangers executed a unique twist on the first pitch tradition. Before the Rangers' home game against the New York Yankees, the team held an official retirement ceremony for longtime catcher Iván Rodríguez. Instead of going to the pitcher's mound, he went behind home plate and threw the first "pitch" to longtime teammate Michael Young, who was standing at second base.[5]

On July 23, 2020, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, threw the first pitch of the 2020 MLB season after it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]

On June 9, 2024, during the second game of the London Series, instead of a ceremonial first pitch, Kaitlin Olson threw the ball to Rob McElhenney at shortstop, who then threw it to Bryce Harper on first base for the first "ceremonial double play".[7]

On August 21, 2024, at a New York Mets home game against the Orioles, New York-based comedian Eitan Levine threw his 40th first pitch to break the Guinness World Record for ceremonial first pitches in a professional baseball season. The proceeds from this endeavor were donated to the Make-a-Wish foundation.[8]

Presidential first pitches

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The American tradition of presidential first pitches began in 1910, when United States President William Howard Taft threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Senators' Opening Day at Griffith Stadium. Every president since, with the exceptions of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, has thrown out at least one ceremonial first pitch during or after their presidency, either for Opening Day, the All-Star Game, or the World Series, usually with much fanfare.[9]

President Franklin D. Roosevelt has thrown the most presidential first pitches while in office at 11,[10] while Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush have each thrown 14 first pitches overall, including those thrown before and after holding the office. Donald Trump and Jimmy Carter are the only presidents to not throw a ceremonial first pitch for an Opening Day during their presidency, though the latter did so after he left office.[10] Trump had previously done one prior to his presidency for the minor league Somerset Patriots.[11]

‡ First pitch by a future president
^ First pitch by a former president
* First pitch by a vice president
Presidential First Pitches
Event President Ballpark Notes
1910 Opening Day William Howard Taft National Park First sitting president to participate in Opening Day ceremonies; preceded Washington Nationals–Philadelphia Athletics game on April 14.[12]
1911 Opening Day The National Park where the first-ever presidential ceremonial first pitch was thrown burned down in March 1911, and a new stadium, also called National Park at first, was built in its place. It would be renamed Griffith Stadium in 1923.[10]
1912 Opening Day James S. Sherman (Vice President)* Taft did not attend because of the death of his friend Archibald Butt in the Titanic disaster.[10]
1913 Opening Day Woodrow Wilson [13]
1915 Opening Day
1915 World Series Baker Bowl Wilson's first public appearance with then-fiancée Edith since their engagement.[13][14]
1916 Home Opener National Park Nationals defeated New York Yankees on April 20.[13][15]
1921 Opening Day Warren G. Harding Griffith Stadium First loss for the Nationals with a president throwing out the first ball.[10]
1922 Opening Day [10]
1923 Opening Day Yankee Stadium
1923 Home Opener Griffith Stadium Done two days after his first pitch at Yankee Stadium.[10]
1924 Opening Day Calvin Coolidge [10]
1924 World Series
1925 Opening Day
1925 World Series
1927 Opening Day [10][13]
1928 Opening Day Coolidge left after the first inning due to cold weather.[10][13]
1929 Opening Day Herbert Hoover [10]
1929 World Series Shibe Park Held two weeks before the Wall Street crash of 1929.[10][16]
1930 Opening Day Griffith Stadium [10]
1930 World Series Shibe Park
1931 Opening Day Hoover was received by a mixed audience, with some opposed to Prohibition chanting "We want beer!"[10][17]
1932 Opening Day Griffith Stadium [10]
1933 Opening Day Franklin D. Roosevelt
1933 World Series
1934 Opening Day
1935 Opening Day
1936 Opening Day
1936 World Series Yankee Stadium
1937 Opening Day Griffith Stadium A plane flew overhead carrying a banner reading "Play the game, don't pack the court," in protest of Roosevelt's failed Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937.[13]
1937 All-Star Game [10]
1938 Opening Day
1940 Opening Day Roosevelt's pitch hit a Washington Post camera.[10][18]
1941 Opening Day [10]
1945 World Series Harry S. Truman First left-handed presidential ceremonial first pitch.[10]
1946 Opening Day [10]
1947 Opening Day
1948 Opening Day
1949 Opening Day
1950 Opening Day Truman threw out two balls, one left-handed and one right-handed.[10]
1951 Opening Day [10]
1952 Opening Day
1953 Opening Day Dwight D. Eisenhower Eisenhower skipped Opening Day to play golf at Augusta National, but the game was postponed by rain and he threw out the first ball at the rescheduled game.[10][13]
1954 Opening Day [10]
1955 Opening Day
1955 World Series Ebbets Field
1956 Opening Day Griffith Stadium
1958 Opening Day
1958 All-Star Game Richard Nixon (Vice President)‡ Memorial Stadium The catcher was Gus Triandos.[19]
1959 Opening Day Griffith Stadium Eisenhower did not attend and was represented by Nixon.
1959 All-Star Game Forbes Field Nixon threw the pitch at the first of that season's two All-Star Games.[20]
1959 Old-Timers' Day Herbert Hoover (former President)^ Yankee Stadium [21]
1960 Opening Day Dwight D. Eisenhower Griffith Stadium [10]
1961 Opening Day John F. Kennedy
1961 Old-Timers' Day Herbert Hoover (former President)^ Yankee Stadium [21]
1962 Opening Day John F. Kennedy D.C. Stadium The recently constructed D.C. Stadium would later be renamed the RFK Stadium after Kennedy's brother Robert F. Kennedy in 1969.[13]
1962 All-Star Game All-Star Game in Washington, D.C.
1963 Opening Day [10]
1964 Opening Day Lyndon B. Johnson Set a record for most hot dogs eaten by a president on Opening Day: four.[10]
1965 Opening Day [22]: 195 
1966 Opening Day Hubert Humphrey (Vice President)*
1966 All-Star Game Busch Memorial Stadium The temperature at the start of the game was 100 °F (38 °C). Humphrey left the ballpark shortly after the pitch.[23]
1967 Opening Day Lyndon B. Johnson D.C. Stadium [10]
1968 Opening Day Hubert Humphrey (Vice President)* Due to low approval, Humphrey attended in-place of Johnson amidst public unrest following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.[24]
1969 Opening Day Richard Nixon RFK Stadium Nixon requested the presidential seal to be mounted on his box, causing embarrassment when the seal provided had "president" misspelled.[10][13]
1969 All-Star Game Spiro Agnew (Vice President)‡ Richard Nixon was scheduled to throw out the first pitch but was unable to attend after the game was postponed by rain. Agnew threw one pitch to National League catcher Johnny Bench and one pitch to American League catcher Bill Freehan.[25]
1970 All-Star Game Richard Nixon Riverfront Stadium All-Star Game in Cincinnati, Ohio.[10]
1973 Opening Day Anaheim Stadium First Opening Day presidential first pitch outside of Washington, D.C.[10]
1976 Opening Day Gerald Ford Arlington Stadium [10]
1976 All-Star Game Veterans Stadium Ford threw two pitches (with the first from his right hand and the second from his left) from the stands, one to a representative from the National League and the other to a representative from the American League.[10][26]
1979 World Series Jimmy Carter Memorial Stadium Baltimore Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey playfully yelled, "Next time, get your ass here before the seventh game," in reference to Carter skipping the Opening Day.[10]
1981 All-Star Game George H. W. Bush (Vice President)‡ Cleveland Stadium Bush had hoped he would be pitching to Carlton Fisk but a 13-year-old fan was picked out of the crowd to serve as catcher.[27]
1984 Opening Day Ronald Reagan Memorial Stadium Reagan made an unannounced trip to Baltimore, after it was initially cancelled for security reasons. He watched the game from the third-base dugout.[13][28]
1986 Opening Day [10]
1986 All-Star Game George H. W. Bush (Vice President)‡ Astrodome Bush's second All-Star Game. The catcher was Gary Carter.[29]
1988 All-Star Game Riverfront Stadium [30]
August 28, 1988 (Regular Season) Astrodome Bush left the game after the second inning to attend the funeral of Price Daniel.[31]
September 30, 1988 (Regular Season) Ronald Reagan Wrigley Field Reagan threw two pitches prior to the Chicago Cubs–Pittsburgh Pirates game on September 30, then joined Harry Caray for 1½ innings on the WGN telecast.[12][13]
1989 Opening Day George H. W. Bush Memorial Stadium President of Egypt Hosni Mubarak was Bush's special guest, but did not partake in the pregame ceremonies. The Baltimore Orioles defeated the Boston Red Sox 5–4 in 11 innings.[10][32]
April 25, 1989 (Regular Season) Anaheim Stadium [22]: 196 
June 28, 1989 (Regular Season) Memorial Stadium
1989 Japan Series Ronald Reagan (former President)^ Tokyo Dome Game 3 between the Kintetsu Buffaloes and Yomiuri Giants.[33]
1990 Opening Day George H. W. Bush SkyDome First Opening Day pitch by a president to be thrown in Canada.[10]
May 24, 1990 (Regular Season) Dan Quayle (Vice President)* Wrigley Field
July 16, 1990 (Regular Season) George H. W. Bush Memorial Stadium [22]: 196 
1991 Opening Day Arlington Stadium George H.W. Bush's son and future President George W. Bush was owner of the Texas Rangers from 1989-94.[10]
Dan Quayle (Vice President)* Memorial Stadium Final Opening Day at Memorial Stadium
1992 Opening Day George H. W. Bush Oriole Park at Camden Yards First MLB game at Camden Yards.[10][13] Bush was joined by his 15-year-old grandson, George P. Bush.[22]: 196 
1992 All-Star Game Jack Murphy Stadium Threw first pitch with Ted Williams.[22]: 196 
1992 World Series Jimmy Carter (former President)^ Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
1993 Opening Day Bill Clinton Oriole Park at Camden Yards Before this, most presidents threw from the stands or at the base of the pitcher's mound; Clinton was the first president to successfully throw from the pitcher's mound to the catcher.[10][13]
Al Gore (Vice President)* Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
1994 Opening Day Bill Clinton Jacobs Field First MLB Game at Jacobs Field.[10]
1995 World Series Jimmy Carter (former President)^ Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium [10]
1996 Opening Day Bill Clinton Oriole Park at Camden Yards
1997 Opening Day Shea Stadium
2000 Opening Day Pacific Bell Park
George W. Bush (as Governor of Texas)‡ The Ballpark in Arlington Future 43rd president
2001 Opening Day George W. Bush Miller Park MLB Commissioner Bud Selig (a former owner of the Brewers) threw out the first pitch to celebrate the opening of the new park; Bush threw the second pitch.[10]
2001 World Series Yankee Stadium This was the first World Series game in New York since the September 11 attacks; Bush wore a bulletproof vest and a Secret Service agent dressed as an umpire so he could be on the field.[10]
2003 Opening Day George H. W. Bush (former President)^ Great American Ball Park [30]
2004 Opening Day Jimmy Carter (former President)^ Petco Park First MLB Game at Petco Park
George W. Bush Busch Memorial Stadium [10]
Dick Cheney (Vice President)* Great American Ball Park
2005 Opening Day George W. Bush RFK Stadium 2005 was the Nationals' first season, making Bush the first president to throw out first pitch in Washington since Richard Nixon in 1969.[10]
2005 American League Championship Series Barack Obama (as United States Senator from Illinois)‡ U.S. Cellular Field Future 44th president
2006 Opening Day George W. Bush Great American Ball Park First sitting president to participate on Opening Day in Cincinnati; preceded Reds–Cubs game on April 3.[10][12]
Dick Cheney (Vice President)* RFK Stadium
August 18, 2006 (Regular Season) Donald Trump (future President)‡ Fenway Park Trump, who would become the 45th president, threw out the first pitch before the nightcap of a doubleheader to publicize The Jimmy Fund.[10]
2008 Opening Day George W. Bush Nationals Park This was the first pitch in the new stadium. Bush also participated in ESPN's TV broadcast of the game and called the ballpark's first home run, hit by the Braves' Chipper Jones in the 4th inning.[10]
2009 Opening Day George W. Bush (former President)^ Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Bush had owned the Texas Rangers in the early 1990s.
Joe Biden (Vice President)‡ Oriole Park at Camden Yards Future 46th president
2009 All-Star Game Barack Obama Busch Stadium [10]
2009 Japan Series George W. Bush (former President)^ Tokyo Dome Game 3 between the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and the Yomiuri Giants.
2010 Opening Day Barack Obama Nationals Park 100th anniversary of the first Presidential Opening Day ceremonial first pitch.[10]
2010 World Series George W. Bush (former President)^ Rangers Ballpark in Arlington First World Series home game in franchise history; former President Bush – who owned the Rangers when the stadium was built – was accompanied to the mound by his father, George H. W. Bush, and Texas Rangers team president Nolan Ryan.
2011 College World Series TD Ameritrade Park Omaha This pitch marked the first game at the new home of the College World Series, replacing the nearby Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. Before Bush threw out the first pitch, his father, who played for Yale in the first CWS in 1947, delivered a video message christening the new stadium. He is the first President to have thrown ceremonial first pitches for amateur and professional (both North America and Japanese) championship matches.[34]
2011 World Series Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
2015 American League Division Series Minute Maid Park Bush, aged 91, accompanied by his wife Barbara and in a wheelchair with a neck brace, threw the Houston Astros' first pitch at Game 3 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals.[35]
2017 World Series Bush was accompanied and given the first pitch ball by his father, George H. W. Bush.
May 20, 2021 (NCAA regular season) O'Brate Stadium Bush was scheduled to throw the first pitch upon the opening of O'Brate Stadium in 2020 but the opening was delayed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[36]
2023 World Series Globe Life Field Bush threw the first pitch to Iván Rodríguez.[37]

See also

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References

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Ceremonial first pitch

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The ceremonial first pitch is a longstanding in , most prominently in (MLB), in which a distinguished guest—such as a , , , or local notable—throws a from the pitcher's to the home team's prior to the game's official start, symbolically launching the contest without the throw counting toward . This tradition honors the thrower, fosters community engagement, and builds pre-game anticipation among fans. Accounts of special guests performing ceremonial throws trace back to the , with early instances involving figures like presidents or civic leaders tossing the "first ball" to commence exhibitions or league games. The practice achieved national prominence on April 14, 1910, when President became the first sitting U.S. president to throw the ceremonial first pitch, doing so from the stands to the Washington Senators' catcher during , thereby establishing a precedent for executive branch participation that endures today. Subsequent presidents, including in 1916, in 1969, and during his tenure, upheld this custom, often aligning it with or high-profile matchups to underscore baseball's cultural significance in American public life. Over time, the ceremonial first pitch has evolved to encompass diverse throwers and creative variations, from athletes delivering precise strikes to groups participating in choreographed routines, though it occasionally draws attention for errant or underhand deliveries that become viral spectacles. In MLB, teams leverage the event for promotional purposes, inviting sponsors' representatives, charity beneficiaries, or fan icons to enhance goodwill and attendance, reflecting baseball's blend of and spectacle.

Origins and History

Early Development

The ceremonial first pitch originated as an informal pregame custom in during the late , with local dignitaries, officials, and team figures occasionally tossing a ball to symbolize the start of play at minor and early major league games. Such spontaneous gestures, lacking any standardized procedure, appeared sporadically from the onward, including instances like —then Ohio governor and future president—throwing a ceremonial first ball at a minor league contest in 1897. These acts reflected 's expanding role as a communal spectacle, blending local pride with the sport's ascent as America's pastime amid and leisure growth in the post-Civil War era. The ritual's profile elevated on April 14, 1910, when President delivered the inaugural documented presidential ceremonial pitch before the Washington Senators' Opening Day matchup against the at in Constrained by his 300-plus-pound frame, Taft hurled the ball from his front-row seat in the stands to Senators , bypassing the pitcher's mound in a that underscored executive endorsement of baseball's cultural significance without predefined norms or expectations of accuracy. This event crystallized the pitch as a vehicle for civic symbolism, linking governmental authority to the game's democratic appeal at a time when sought broader institutional legitimacy.

Expansion and Institutionalization

After President William Howard Taft's inaugural ceremonial first pitch on April 14, 1910, at the Washington Senators' Opening Day game, the practice rapidly institutionalized within . Successive presidents routinely participated in Opening Day ceremonies, particularly for the Senators as the American League's Washington-based team, continuing annually until the franchise relocated following the 1971 season. With American and National League Opening Days often staggered until the late , presidents threw multiple first pitches each spring to accommodate both leagues' schedules, embedding the event in the national pastime's seasonal rituals. The tradition extended beyond into regular season and postseason contests, exemplified by President Woodrow Wilson's pitch at Game 2 of the between the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. This proliferation integrated ceremonial throws into 's broader cultural framework, occurring at numerous games to honor local figures and dignitaries. Post-World War II, as baseball resumed full operations and contributed to postwar recovery efforts, the practice increasingly featured military personnel and veterans, underscoring the sport's alignment with national morale and patriotic sentiments. A procedural evolution occurred on April 2, 1984, when President delivered the first presidential mound-based throw during the Baltimore Orioles' home opener against the at Memorial Stadium, departing from prior grandstand deliveries and facilitating direct interaction with the playing field and fans. This shift, repeated in subsequent appearances like Reagan's 1988 pitches at , standardized mound throws for enhanced visibility and engagement.

Political Participation

Presidential Throws

U.S. presidents have thrown ceremonial first pitches in since inaugurated the practice on April 14, 1910, at the Washington Senators' season opener against the . Every president from through participated at least once during their tenure, affirming 's status as a national pastime and the executive's symbolic accessibility to public leisure. This ritual, often on or during high-profile events like the , highlights patterns of engagement tied to personal affinity for the sport, with frequency peaking among enthusiasts such as , who delivered seven such pitches across his presidency. Ronald Reagan, another avid supporter from his broadcasting days, exemplified heightened participation by throwing multiple pitches, including a pair before a Cubs-Pittsburgh Pirates game at [Wrigley Field](/page/Wrigley Field) on September 30, 1988—his final such appearance as president. Richard Nixon's April 6, 1973, throw at the Angels' home opener against the marked a rare deviation to the West Coast, the first presidential first pitch outside , underscoring efforts to extend the tradition geographically amid his administration's challenges. In times of crisis, the practice adapted to security imperatives while preserving its unifying role, as seen in George W. Bush's delivery of a strike from the mound before Game 3 of the at on October 30, 2001—mere weeks after the —while wearing a bulletproof vest to project resolve and normalcy. similarly maintained the custom during , attending games and throwing pitches at despite wartime constraints, illustrating the tradition's resilience as a marker of continuity.

Other Governmental and Military Figures

Governors and mayors frequently participate in ceremonial first pitches at major and games to symbolize local and regional pride, often aligning with opening days or community events. For example, Governor threw the first pitch at the Baltimore Orioles' home opener on April 7, 2023, marking the start of the season in the state's capital. Similarly, Governor delivered the ceremonial pitch at a Tri-City Chili Peppers game on , 2024, emphasizing state festivities during the team's matchup south of Richmond. In contexts, such as the game on April 5, 2020, multiple mayors from surrounding areas collectively threw first pitches before facing the Oklahoma City Dodgers, highlighting collaborative civic promotion of in suburban . Mayors of major league host cities routinely engage in the tradition to connect with constituents and boost hometown spirit. Mayor threw the first pitch before the Yankees' game against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 10, 2022, expressing enthusiasm for returning to post-pandemic restrictions. Mayor performed the honor on September 2, 2017, as the Astros resumed play at Minute Maid Park following Hurricane Harvey's devastation, serving as a of resilience for the affected community. Mayor Mark Mallory's wildly errant pitch before the Reds' home opener on April 2, 2007, exemplified the informal, participatory nature of these local customs, drawing attention to urban engagement with the sport. Military figures, including generals and enlisted service members, throw ceremonial first pitches to commemorate , often during dedicated appreciation events or at games near military installations. Daniel L. Karbler, commanding general of U.S. Space and Command, delivered the pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers' Military Appreciation Night on June 4, 2021, underscoring the armed forces' contributions amid ongoing global commitments. Representatives from the , Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard each threw first pitches before a Washington Nationals game on July 6, 2006, as part of a multi-branch to interservice unity. Kirk E. Gibbs, U.S. Corps of Engineers Deputy Commanding General, threw the pitch at an Orioles game on July 2, 2025, in coordination with district military personnel, reflecting post- era tributes to veteran reintegration and base-community ties. These instances, prevalent since the Vietnam era and intensified after Iraq and conflicts, integrate baseball's patriotic symbolism with honors for active-duty and retired personnel, frequently at affiliates near installations or during league-wide military nights.

Celebrity and Cultural Throws

Athletes and Entertainers

Athletes from other disciplines have frequently participated in ceremonial first pitches to promote cross-sport engagement, often incorporating elements of their expertise for entertainment. Olympic gymnasts, for instance, have executed backflips or aerial maneuvers immediately before delivering the pitch, emphasizing athletic precision and drawing crowds with high-energy displays. performed a flip and toss before a Astros game on July 4, 2016, captivating fans with her Olympic-level integrated into the ritual. Similar feats occurred with flipping prior to her 2017 pitch, Suni Lee in 2022 for the , Hezly Rivera in 2024 for the Texas Rangers, and in 2025, each showcasing rotational control and balance honed in competitive from 2011 onward. Baseball icons have also thrown precise ceremonial pitches, underscoring their professional mastery even in honorary roles. Hall of Famer delivered an 84.5 mph —tracked by —directly to Mariners catcher Julio Rodríguez on April 15, 2022, before Seattle's home opener against the Astros, exemplifying his renowned arm strength and accuracy at age 48. Such throws by retired stars like Suzuki serve to bridge eras, entertaining fans while honoring the game's technical demands in major league settings. Entertainers have contributed pitches blending humor, spectacle, and occasional mishaps, amplifying the event's viral appeal across major and minor leagues. Rapper 50 Cent's May 27, 2014, throw for the veered wildly off-target by approximately 20 feet, landing in the dirt far from the catcher and igniting widespread memes, media coverage, and debates on whether unprepared celebrities undermine the tradition's dignity. Comedian threw the first pitch on July 19, 2025, for the Double-A ' alternate-identity Moon Mammoths game in MiLB, tying into his show's satirical rebranding promotion and engaging fans through comedic narration and booth appearances. These instances highlight how musicians and comedians leverage the for promotional stunts, often prioritizing entertainment over precision to foster lighthearted fan interaction.

Community and Philanthropic Figures

survivor Eitan threw 40 ceremonial first pitches across games during the 2024 season, achieving a on August 21 while promoting awareness for pediatric and treatment. , who battled as a child, used the appearances to share his recovery story and encourage donations, demonstrating how such pitches amplify personal resilience narratives in community outreach. Religious figures have also participated to foster goodwill and inspiration. Dominican Sister Mary Jo Sobieck delivered an accurate ceremonial first pitch with a spinning flourish before a game against the on August 18, 2018, at Guaranteed Rate Field, captivating the crowd and garnering widespread online attention for her poise and faith-driven enthusiasm. She returned for another pitch on September 22, 2018, ahead of a Cubs-White Sox interleague matchup, further exemplifying the tradition's appeal in highlighting humble, service-oriented individuals. Individuals with disabilities often throw to advance adaptive sports and inclusion efforts. Tom Willis, born without arms, completed ceremonial first pitches at all 30 MLB stadiums by October 2, 2023, using his feet in a "Pitch for Awareness" campaign started in 2008 to spotlight challenges faced by the disabled and promote perseverance. participants, such as 14-year-old Lallo, a with mobility limitations from treatment, threw before a home game on August 6, 2025, as part of initiatives supporting young patients' emotional recovery through baseball's communal spirit. Philanthropic events frequently incorporate first pitches to drive for local causes. MLB teams ceremonial throwing opportunities, with proceeds directed to charities; for instance, the offered a 2025 package including a home game pitch and tickets, benefiting community programs, while similar St. Louis Cardinals auctions on July 28, 2024, supported adaptive youth initiatives. These bids enable everyday donors or representatives to embody the role, channeling funds to hospitals, survivor networks, and services without relying on draw.

Tradition and Execution

Procedural Elements

The ceremonial first pitch follows a standardized sequence across , , and amateur levels. The honored guest is formally introduced to the crowd, often via public address announcement and video board display, before approaching the pitcher's mound, the stands adjacent to the field, or a position behind home plate. From there, the thrower delivers the ball toward the home team's stationed at home plate, who typically secures the catch to conclude the pregame ritual. This throw does not count toward official game statistics and serves solely to initiate proceedings. Following the pitch, the sequence commonly transitions to the or additional ceremonial elements, such as player introductions, signaling the full commencement of gameplay. The baseball used is often a commemorative version marked for the event, and it is routinely retained by the thrower as a keepsake or gifted to them by the after the catch. This practice underscores the pitch's role as a non-competitive honor, distinct from athletic performance. The tradition's symbolism traces to April 14, 1910, when President executed the inaugural presidential ceremonial pitch at a Washington Senators game, establishing it as a gesture to denote the game's start while embodying communal unity between the honored figure and spectators. Unlike competitive pitches, it conveys non-partisan endorsement of the sport's cultural significance, fostering shared anticipation without implying athletic rivalry. Logistically, throwers—particularly non-athletes—receive preparatory coaching from team personnel on basic mechanics, such as grip and stance, to prioritize safety and minimize errant throws that could risk injury or delay. Equipment remains minimal: a single baseball, with gloves optional for the thrower to aid control, though many forgo them to maintain ceremonial formality. These elements ensure consistency and accessibility across baseball's hierarchical levels, from Major League Baseball to local leagues.

Variations Across Leagues and Contexts

In Minor League Baseball (MiLB), ceremonial first pitches often adopt a more casual and promotional tone compared to Major League Baseball (MLB) standards, emphasizing community engagement and themed events. Leagues frequently invite groups or local figures for collective throws, such as allowing members of organizations with 100 or more attendees to participate in pregame pitches at venues like Coolray Field. Themed ceremonies include unconventional participants, like magicians or animals, as seen when a rabbit thrown by performer Alex the Great delivered the pitch at a 2025 Reno Aces game. These variations foster fan interaction and local flavor, diverging from MLB's typically singular, high-profile guest format. Internationally, particularly in Japan's (NPB), the tradition incorporates distinct rituals that contrast with Western norms. The batter is expected to swing and intentionally miss the pitch, a practice dating to early 20th-century introductions and symbolizing respect for the ceremonial thrower. NPB teams also feature comedic or group elements, such as the BayStars' use of the Ostrich Club troupe for exaggerated pitches. Record-setting events highlight scale, with the Kagawa Olive Guyners achieving a World Record on June 1, 2019, for 295 people throwing ceremonial first pitches simultaneously. In postseason MLB contexts like the , ceremonies escalate with multiple legends or paired throwers to honor franchise history, amplifying spectacle beyond regular-season norms. For the 2025 between the and Toronto Blue Jays, former Blue Jays manager threw the Game 1 pitch on October 24, followed by for Game 2 on October 25, evoking the team's 1992-1993 championships. Similar pairings occurred in 2024, with Dodgers alumni and combining for a ceremonial throw in Game 1 to tribute . Adaptations for appear in various leagues, including seated or assisted throws for elderly or disabled participants to broaden inclusion without requiring full mobility. MiLB and MLB venues accommodate such variations under broader event accessibility guidelines, though specific pitch examples remain promotional and low-profile compared to standard standing throws.

Notable and Record-Setting Pitches

Memorable Successes

One of the most resonant ceremonial first pitches occurred on October 30, 2001, when President delivered a strike from the pitcher's mound at before Game 3 of the between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks. Conducted seven weeks after the , the throw symbolized national resilience amid elevated security, with Bush wearing a protective vest beneath his Yankees jersey; the pitch's accuracy and composure under scrutiny were widely praised for boosting morale. Olympic swimmers have showcased exceptional arm strength in ceremonial throws, exemplified by Katie Ledecky's precise strike on August 24, 2016, before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at . Positioned at the front edge of the mound, the five-time Rio Olympian gold medalist delivered the ball into the after removing her medals, handed to Nationals outfielder , highlighting the transferable power from to pitching mechanics. Post-championship celebrations have featured team legends in memorable first pitches, such as the March 28, 2025, ceremonial toss by inductees , , and at , honoring the franchise's 2024 victory. These former players, recognized in the Legends of Dodger Baseball program, executed the group throw to mark the defending champions' home opener, evoking the dramatic triumphs of their own eras while connecting historical success to recent accolades.

Iconic Failures and Viral Moments

Rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's ceremonial first pitch on May 27, 2014, before a game against the at stands as one of the most notoriously errant throws in history, sailing wildly leftward and bouncing approximately 20 feet short of the . The incident, captured on video and rapidly shared online, elicited widespread ridicule, with users creating memes comparing the pitch to exaggerated cartoonish failures and questioning the rapper's preparation despite his athletic background. Jackson later defended the throw on , attributing it to a lack of practice, which fueled discussions on the importance of warming up for such ceremonial duties to avoid public embarrassment. Similar unprepared celebrity attempts have amplified the trope of ceremonial pitch failures, such as singer Carly Rae Jepsen's 2013 throw for the Baltimore Orioles, which bounced multiple times before reaching the plate and drew comparisons to amateur efforts lacking any prior tosses. Gary "Baba Booey" Dell'Abate's 2014 pitch at a Mets game veered even farther off-target, striking a and exacerbating viral mockery that highlighted how sidearm grips or insufficient arm strength contribute to such misses. These moments often spark online campaigns urging celebrities to practice, with commentators noting that even professional athletes like delivered subpar sidearm pitches in 1998 due to forgoing standard overhand mechanics. While injuries from ceremonial pitches remain rare, errant throws have occasionally endangered bystanders, as in Dell'Abate's case where the ball struck a , prompting teams to reinforce barriers and positioning guidelines for future events. Such incidents underscore causal factors like inconsistent and control, leading MLB venues to advise pitchers on basic techniques—such as proper stance and follow-through—to mitigate risks and preserve the tradition's dignity. Media amplification via platforms like and has since transformed these failures into cultural touchstones, emphasizing preparation as a hedge against unintended spectacle.

Records and Achievements

Individual Accomplishments

In 2024, comedian and survivor Eitan Levine established the Guinness World Record for the most ceremonial first pitches thrown in a single season by an individual, achieving 40 such throws at games within 365 days, with his record-setting pitch occurring on August 21 at during a game against the . Levine's accomplishment surpassed prior benchmarks and involved travel to multiple MLB and stadiums to raise awareness for . Among velocity-based feats, former Seattle Mariners outfielder holds the mark for the fastest recorded ceremonial first pitch in MLB history at 93.6 , thrown on April 16, 2022, at despite Suzuki being 48 years old at the time. This throw, delivered in full uniform during a home opener, demonstrated exceptional arm strength and control, outpacing other notable ceremonial velocities such as those by and . Retired athletes often return for anniversary celebrations to throw ceremonial pitches marking personal milestones, contributing to individual legacies without setting quantified records for repetition. For instance, Hall of Famer threw a ceremonial first pitch on August 18, 2024, at to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers. Similarly, , a four-time , threw his second post-retirement ceremonial pitch in 2025 at a game, following an earlier one in 2023 with the Texas Rangers. These instances highlight recurring individual honors tied to career anniversaries rather than cumulative volume.

Group and Event-Based Records

The Guinness World Record for the most people throwing a ceremonial first pitch simultaneously is 295, achieved by members and fans of the Kagawa Olive Guyners independent during a event on June 1, 2025, in Prefecture, . This surpassed prior benchmarks, such as the 182 Rockland County students who set an earlier mark at a 2016 Rockland Boulders game in New York. Other large-scale group efforts include the 156 simultaneous pitches thrown by fans of Taiwan's professional baseball team on March 26, 2021, at their home stadium in Taoyuan, marking the team's return after a 21-year hiatus and officially recognized by at the time. These events highlight organizational feats in coordinating mass participation, often tied to fan engagement or commemorative occasions, with participants typically positioned across the field to ensure visibility and safety. In postseason contexts, multi-pitch ceremonies involving groups of honorees have featured sequential throws by ensembles of sports figures, such as the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies' tribute before Game 3 of their playoff series, where hockey legend , basketball icon , football player , and baseball Hall of Famer each delivered a ceremonial pitch to celebrate local athletic heritage. Such sequenced group participations, distinct from simultaneous throws, emphasize thematic groupings over raw scale but demonstrate the tradition's adaptability for ensemble recognition in high-profile games.

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