First Pitch for First Fan?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 29, 2009 6:20PM

While the White Sox's starting rotation is still a bit up in the air, the team is hoping to have a crafty left-hander on the mound Opening Day. The Sox have officially invited new President Barack Obama to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on April 6, when the South Siders play host to the Kansas City Royals.

Sox GM Kenny Williams verbally invited the Commander-in-Chief right after his November election. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf made the formal invite in a letter dated the day after Obama's inauguration.

Obama has yet to respond, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him at the Cell this spring. Since Taft in 1910, it has been tradition for the president to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day -- although more commonly in DC or Baltimore. But why make an appearance for one of those teams when he could do so for his beloved White Sox? And while we're not sure what number he'd be sporting on the back of his jersey this time, we have a feeling we do know what cap he'll be wearing.

Image from Obama's Senate site