Barack Obama, clad in his White Sox jacket, becomes the first Commander-in-Chief to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in the Midsummer Classic since Gerald Ford tossed the ball at the beginning of the 1976 contest. After warming up in the White House Rose Garden prior to arriving at Busch Stadium, the 44th president’s pitch barely reaches the plate, but doesn’t bounce, thanks to the efforts of Cardinals’ hometown hero Albert Pujols, who moves up from home and reaches out to scoop the low throw.

On July 14, 2009 — Barack Obama, clad in his White Sox jacket, becomes the first Commander-in-Chief to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in the Midsummer Classic since Gerald Ford tossed the ball at the beginning of the 1976 contest. After warming up in the White House Rose Garden prior to arriving at Busch Stadium, the 44th president’s pitch barely reaches the plate, but doesn’t bounce, thanks to the efforts of Cardinals’ hometown hero Albert Pujols, who moves up from home and reaches out to scoop the low throw.

Sources:
National Pastime January 28

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