‘We will make it later in the season,’ Donald Trump says he won’t throw out first pitch at New York Yankees game - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘We will make it later in the season,’ Donald Trump says he won’t throw out first pitch at New York Yankees game

Washington | ByPress Trust of India
Jul 27, 2020 10:12 AM IST

Trump has been trying to show voters that he is taking the virus seriously by holding briefings and cancelling Republican convention events set for Jacksonville, Florida. Florida is among several states where the virus is raging.

President Donald Trump won’t be throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium next month after all.

U.S. President Donald Trump swings a baseball bat during the 'Spirit of America Showcase' at the White House in Washington.(Bloomberg)
U.S. President Donald Trump swings a baseball bat during the 'Spirit of America Showcase' at the White House in Washington.(Bloomberg)

Trump tweeted Sunday that he won’t be able to make the trip because of his “strong focus” on the coronavirus, vaccines and the economy.Trump said in the tweet: “We will make it later in the season!” He had announced at a briefing Thursday on Major League Baseball’s opening day that he’d be at Yankee Stadium on August 15 to throw out the first pitch.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Trump has been trying to show voters that he is taking the virus seriously by holding briefings and cancelling Republican convention events set for Jacksonville, Florida. Florida is among several states where the virus is raging.

But on Saturday the White House tweeted a photo of Trump and former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre after the pair played golf at Trump’s private club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

With the teams playing in stadiums that are largely empty, Trump wouldn’t have had to contend with crowd reaction to his appearance, which has been an issue in some previous appearances at sporting events, where he has gotten a mixed response.

But another issue could have been tricky for Trump, who has been outspoken in his criticism of athletes taking a knee during the national anthem before games.

During an interview Thursday with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump again said he would be taking part in the longstanding tradition of throwing out the first pitch, but said he hoped that players would stand during the national anthem.

“It’s great that baseball is back, and other sports are back. I hope everyone’s standing; I hope they’re not going to be kneeling when the flag is raised. I don’t like to see that,” Trump told Hannity.

The Yankees and the Washington Nationals took a knee before the season’s opening game that night in Washington, then stood for the national anthem. And New York had two players kneel for the national anthem on Saturday, Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton, and they say they will continue kneeling during the anthem throughout the season.

Some New York City politicians, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, have complained loudly about Trump throwing out a first pitch for the Yankees.

Catch all the Latest IPL 2024 news and Live Cricket Score along with WPL Schedule and WPL Points Table related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On