Ceremonial first pitch

[yanks08701]

When was the ceremonial first pitch changed from being thrown out of the stands to being thrown off the mound and what was the reason for these changes?

[Pere]

It didn't start out as a "first pitch." Originally it was literally throwing out (onto the field) the first ball, which was then used for the first actual pitch of the game. Now, of course, the "first pitch" ball is never actually pitched at all; after the ceremonial delivery, it's returned to the celebrity or honoree for a souvenir.

Exactly when the switch came, I'm not sure.

[RuthMayBond]

Now, of course, the "first pitch" ball is never actually pitched at all; after the ceremonial delivery, it's returned to the celebrity or honoree for a souvenir.

I just read something in one player's bio that he "won" a scramble for the first pitch that was thrown out by a president (FDR, I think). Does this sound familiar to anyone?

[bluezebra]

I just read something in one player's bio that he "won" a scramble for the first pitch that was thrown out by a president (FDR, I think). Does this sound familiar to anyone?

The President you're referring to was John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK).

The "First Pitch" started with William Howard Taft on April 14, 1910. The "7th Inning Stretch" started when Taft got up to stretch his legs, and the fans rose also, in respect to the President.

Bob

[RuthMayBond]

The President you're referring to was John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK).

Then who won the scramble?

<The "7th Inning Stretch" started when Taft got up to stretch his legs, and the fans rose also, in respect to the President.>

That's one version

[EdTarbusz]

One of the first people I remember being on the field for the first pitch was Elie Weisel during game two at Shea Stadium in 1986. He looked like he was standing about five or six feet from Gary Carter when he made his throw. I wonder if he was on the field so that more people in the crowd could get a view of him. Getting him was probably a big coup for the Mets, and Gary Carter looked to be very impressed to be in his presence.

[Gary Dunaier]

I just read something in one player's bio that he "won" a scramble for the first pitch that was thrown out by a president (FDR, I think). Does this sound familiar to anyone?

They mentioned something about that tonight on the ESPN broadcast, and they showed a clip of Senators players going after the ball.

[RuthMayBond]

They mentioned something about that tonight on the ESPN broadcast, and they showed a clip of Senators players going after the ball.

Well, at least I'm not totally crazy (concerning this one particular point

[RuthMayBond]

The President you're referring to was John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK).

Actually, the President *I'm* referring to was FDR.

http://www.baseballlibrary.com/ballp...ie_Manush_1901

I try to do some research before contributing to the acronym thread in the Between Innings forum

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=74681