Baseball

Clark Griffith gives President Harry S. Truman a pitching lesson just before the Chief Executive tossed the first ball to open the baseball season. Left to right: President Truman, Connie Mack, and Clark Griffith. Donor: Hennepin County Historical Society

Clark Griffith, president of the Washington Senators, gives President Harry S. Truman a pitching lesson just before opening the 1949 baseball season. Left to right: President Truman, Connie Mack and Clark Griffith. Donor: Hennepin County Historical Society

President Harry S. Truman officially opened the 1947 baseball season in Washington, D.C. The President crossed up the stadium announcer by throwing the ball right-handed after he was introduced as the "Nation's Number One Southpaw." Left to right are: President Truman, Clark Griffith (owner of the Washington Senators), Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, Ossie Bluege (Manager of the Washington Senators) and Stanley "Bucky" Harris (Manager of the New York Yankees). Donor: Hennepin County Historical Society.

Former President Harry S. Truman (left) accepts a baseball bat and glove on behalf of his grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, on a stopover in St. Louis, Missouri. Former First Lady Bess Wallace Truman looks on as Edward N. Golterman (center), assistant to St. Louis mayor Raymond R. Tucker, presents the gift for Tucker and Independence mayor Robert Weatherford. (Same as 65-665; similar to 65-780). From: Edward L. Golterman, Golterman Historic Enterprises, St. Louis, MO.

Former President Harry S. Truman opened a game between the Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers by throwing out the first pitch. Former President Truman attended the game the day before, which was the season opener, and threw out the first pitch on that date as well. The baseball players are unidentified. From: Greg Clock.