William Howard Taft

From BR Bullpen

William Howard Taft

Throws Right

Born September 15, 1857 in Cincinnati, OH USA
Died March 8, 1930 in Washington, DC USA

William Howard Taft served as the 27th United States President from 1909 to 1913 and was the first president to throw out the first ball at a Major League Baseball season opener. On April 14, 1910, Taft threw out the ball before the Washington Senators beat the Philadelphia Athletics. Walter Johnson, who caught Taft's throw, pitched a one-hitter for the home team. This was different from the current first pitch ceremony. Taft threw the ball from the stands to the pitcher on the mound, rather than throwing from the mound to the catcher.

Taft is the only man to serve as both president of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and is also one of two Presidents to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He is also well known as the heaviest President, weighing in at over 300 pounds.

One biography says Taft as a child played second base and was a power hitter. The Young Taft

Taft's half brother Charles Taft owned the Chicago Cubs for a brief time.