Dr. Anthony Fauci will throw out the first pitch for opening day at Nationals Park on Thursday before the Nationals’ game against the New York Yankees.
Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who has been one of the country’s main voices in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is a noted Nationals fan — even wearing a Nationals-themed face mask before testifying in front of Congress last month. He has also been interviewed by first baseman Ryan Zimmerman for the team’s website.
In a statement, the National said they are “thrilled” to welcome Fauci to Nationals Park.
“Dr. Fauci has been a true champion for our country during the Covid-19 pandemic and throughout his distinguished career,” the Nationals said, “so it is only fitting that we honor him as we kick off the 2020 season and defend our World Series Championship title.”
Growing up in Brooklyn, Fauci was a devoted New York Yankees fan. But he has lived in the Washington area for years and along the way started rooting for the Nationals when the team moved to the city from Montreal in 2005.
In May, Fauci expanded on his Nationals fandom during an interview with the New York Times.
“I just fell in love with the Nats,” Fauci said. “I don’t consider that I’m being disloyal to the Yankees. I consider it as sort of a replacement for my boyhood love for baseball, which I still have.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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