(I originally wrote this as part of a bigger piece for MSNBC two years ago, when the Washington Nationals’ inaugural baseball season began. Opening Day Sunday prompts me to run parts of it again now)
Even the most singularly focused political junkie must acknowledge the influence of baseball on politics. President Bush was a managing partner of the Texas Rangers baseball team. Ronald Reagan used to broadcast and re-enact baseball games on the radio. Hall-of-fame pitcher Jim Bunning is a U.S. senator. And who was that sitting next to Hillary Clinton during President Clinton’s 1999 State of the Union Address? None other than Sammy Sosa, who made a repeat appearance last month in Congress, joining other Major League Baseball star players to discuss the problem of steroid use. Fortunately for Washington baseball fans, Sosa is Peter Angelos’ problem now. No wonder with Sosa, the Orioles are so-so.
President Bush this week throws out the opening pitch at RFK Stadium (only D.C. would name its ballpark after an attorney general), an act itself proving the intertwining of baseball and politics. The president’s pitch resumes a tradition that began with William Howard Taft, who in 1910 tossed to the Senators’ Walter Johnson. (Here’s one for you baseball trivia lovers: Johnson pitched a shutout win, allowing the Philadelphia Athletics just one hit in a 3-0 victory for Washington. This year, the other Philadelphia team, the Phillies, beat Washington on opening day.)
Baseball’s Hall of Fame Web site describes the executive act this way: “The president’s annual appearance at the start of each season symbolically renews the bonds that unite the country, its leaders, and the game — a ceremonial springtime rebirth as America’s National Pastime. For presidents, baseball offers a welcome connection to a wholesome, all-American image.”
Sounds like a State of the Union address. Or the budget request.
Don’t forget: In 2001, President Bush threw out the first pitch at Game Three of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium, weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks. It was a warm, supportive crowd. Surely April 14 will be equally friendly to the president — what with all those W’s on everyone’s cap. But opening day presents this political sub-drama: The Nationals battle the Arizona Diamondbacks. That’s right, Arizona, as in John McCain.
Let there be little doubt who will be in the stands on Opening Day: Politicians. Lots of politicians. And the people who lobby politicians. And the people who donate to them. And the media celebs who cover them. Better be careful getting angry at a player or umpire. Yell out “Get rid of the bum!” and half the crowd will think you’re demanding a recall election.
The Washington Post reported on political and media heavy-hitters angling for the best seats in RFK stadium: “Major League Baseball is returning to Washington after a 34-year absence, but the game of connections and status never left town. So for months, VIPs from business, politics and the media have been working to get choice tickets to Nationals games.”
Yes, along with patriotism, there’s status. Political status.
“One of the things that Washington has is many people who define themselves as being important,” team President Tony Tavares told the Washington Post about ticket requests. “There are very few people that don’t define themselves as being important in Washington.”
That’s politics for ya. Everyone’s important.
Of the old Washington Senators, it used to be said: “First in war, first in peace, last in the American League.” Of our new baseball team we can add, “And always in politics.”
(Photo Credit: By Ricky Carioti — The Washington Post Photo)
