What Does Throwing Out the First Pitch Mean?
Quick answer
The ceremonial first pitch: before the game, a guest of honor throws a pitch to a player, usually the catcher. It doesn’t count in the game.
In this article
Throwing out the first pitch means a guest of honor throws a ceremonial pitch before the game begins. It's usually a celebrity, athlete, politician, veteran, sponsor or fan being recognized, and the pitch is caught by a player, often the home team's catcher. It doesn't count in the game: the first official pitch comes after the umpire says "play ball."
A short history
The tradition goes back to the early 1900s. The best-known milestone came in 1910, when President William Howard Taft threw out the first pitch at the Washington Senators' opening day. Nearly every president since has thrown at least one, and opening day, the All-Star Game and the World Series all have first-pitch guests.
One of the most famous came in Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, weeks after the September 11 attacks, when President George W. Bush walked to the mound at Yankee Stadium and threw a strike.
Who gets to throw it
- Celebrities and athletes from other sports
- Military members and first responders, often on themed nights
- Local heroes, teachers and fans honored by the team
- Sponsors and community partners
- Kids from youth leagues or charities
How to throw a good first pitch
Even athletes from other sports have bounced it in front of the plate. A few tips:
- Practice beforehand. Throw from 60 feet a few days in a row. It's farther than it looks.
- Throw from the rubber only if you're comfortable. Moving to the front of the mound is common and nobody minds.
- Aim high. Nerves pull the ball down, so aim at the catcher's mask.
- Use your legs. A simple step toward the plate adds distance. Our guide on how to throw a baseball covers the basics.
- Enjoy it. Shake hands with the catcher and keep the ball.
Famous misses
Some first pitches are remembered for the wrong reasons. Rapper 50 Cent's wild throw at a Mets game in 2014 went viral, and plenty of guests have bounced it, thrown it into the dirt or sailed it over the catcher. It's part of the fun.
For more of the game's traditions and terms, see baseball terms explained or browse box seats if you want a good view of the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
What does throwing out the first pitch mean?
It is a pregame ceremony in which a guest of honor, such as a celebrity, athlete, veteran or local hero, throws a pitch to a player, usually the home team's catcher. It does not count in the game.
Who threw the first presidential first pitch?
President William Howard Taft threw out the first pitch at the Washington Senators' opening day in 1910, starting a long presidential tradition.
Does the ceremonial first pitch count?
No. It happens before the game starts. The first official pitch is thrown by the starting pitcher after the umpire calls "play ball."
Do you throw the first pitch from the mound?
Guests can throw from the mound or from in front of it. Throwing from the rubber is 60 feet, 6 inches, which is farther than most people expect, so many guests move closer.
