White Sox invite Obama to throw out first pitch

Nov 6, 2008 - 5:59 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- After he fixes the economy, ends the war, makes sure all children have health care and revamps the public education system, President-elect Barack Obama can start to worry about more important things, like not bouncing the ball in front of the plate.

Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday that he would welcome Obama to U.S. Cellular Field on April 6 to throw out the first pitch for his favorite team.

"I'll make an executive decision right now," Williams told the newspaper. "Let this be a formal invitation: If he would like to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day next year, we can find a spot for him."

Williams has a friendly relationship with Obama, who is apparently quite interested in the White Sox's pitching staff.

"Now I not only have to answer to (Chairman) Jerry Reinsdorf about pitching, I have to answer to the president," Williams told the Tribune. "It's one thing when he would ask me about pitching as a senator, but now he's going to ask the question as president, and I have to say, 'Mr. President.'

"I have to answer to the highest office now."

A native of the South Side of Chicago, Obama has long been a fan of the White Sox.

"I'll tell you what, when we won the World Series (in 2005), he was one of the first ones at the front door waiting for us," Williams told the newspaper.