Coronavirus: Fauci to throw ceremonial first pitch at Washington Nationals’ season opener

WASHINGTON — The nation's top infectious disease expert will soon get a chance to show off a completely different set of skills on the baseball field.

According to The Associated Press, the Washington Nationals announced Monday that Dr. Anthony Fauci, a member of the White House's coronavirus task force, will throw the ceremonial first pitch to start the Nats' season Thursday.

"The Washington Nationals are thrilled to announce that Nats super-fan, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has accepted our invitation to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day, Thursday, July 23," the team said in a statement.

"Dr. Fauci has been a true champion for our country during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout his distinguished career, so it is only fitting that we honor him as we kick off the 2020 season and defend our World Series Championship title."

Fauci has said he is a fan of the team and has worn a cloth face mask with Nationals' logo, according to the AP.

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– The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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