Guest Author - Mona McKenzie

Barack Obama, the First Fan, loves the Chicago White Sox. But now that he will spend at least four years in the Nation’s Capital, will he change his allegiance or even worse, have no baseball allegiance at all? Precedent tells us that our 44th President won’t likely give up his Chicago ties, at least not right away.

Minutes from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is a beautiful, almost brand-spanking new stadium where the Washington Nationals play. About 30 minutes up I-95 you’ll find the Baltimore Orioles. Inquiring minds want to know…will President Obama throw out the first pitch on opening day and, if so, where will he do it? The President is trying very hard to become part of Washington and it would be great if he threw out the first opening day pitch of his presidency at Nationals Park. The problem is the Nats are playing the Marlins in Florida the first two days of the season. Who made up this schedule? Anyway, the POTUS has a few choices. In nearby Philadelphia, the first pitch could be thrown out on April 5th, otherwise known as “Opening Night.” Alternatively, an afternoon game in Baltimore or one in Chi-town are distinct possibilities. Barring a new national crisis, I’m thinking Chi-town wins out.

This is not the first time our President has been a baseball fan. Probably the most notable First Fan was President John F. Kennedy, who was a huge Sox fan…Boston Red Sox that is! Though he was unable to attend BoSox games while in office, Mr. Kennedy did attend several Washington Senators’ home games. It’s well documented that President Kennedy loved baseball so much that he jokingly named White House staffer Dave Powers the “Undersecretary of Baseball.”

Former President George W. Bush is an unabashed Texas Rangers fan. As part owner/ managing general partner of the team for five years, Mr. Bush was entrenched in the day to day activities of the team. He seemed to relish being around the players and fans, while doing something that focused on him and not his famous family. As President, Mr. Bush was able to attend a World Series game at Yankee Stadium, a mere six weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was likely a great experience for him and a nightmare for Secret Service agents!

It’s great that the leader of the free world is able to find time to enjoy our national past time. Maybe other world leaders should take a moment to indulge in something positive and enjoyable. Maybe then we can move toward achieving world peace. I know, pie in the sky, but, I can dream can’t I? Meanwhile, let’s hope President Obama continues to follow baseball as America’s First Fan!