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Nationals need to avoid Dr. Fauci when it comes to first pitches

By James Simmons

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Nationals would be wise to deny Dr. Anthony Fauci’s request of another first pitch opportunity.

Hey Nationals, a word of advice. If you were to notice the name Anthony Fauci appear on your caller ID, you would be well served to allow the call to go to voicemail.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, quite possibly the most spoken of doctor in society right now had his brush with athletic fame on Opening Day 2020, when he was gifted the opportunity to throw out the first pitch before the Nationals/Yankees game. About the only thing which looked good about that moment was the World Series trophy adorned aside Fauci’s Nationals hat.

There have been some poor celebrity first pitches. In fact, with the wide left Fauci unleashed, he rivaled Curtis Jackson’s deplorable first pitch from years ago. I’ll tell you a few things they don’t teach at medical school. A full windup. Follow through. Pointing your foot at your target and keeping the ball low in the zone.

Alright, enough laughs at Fauci’s expense, not everyone should be expected to find the strike zone (or at least throw a catchable pitch) when they are front in center, on a national stage.

Yet, I’m not sure the effort Fauci displayed is worth another shot.

Quite embarrassing, indeed. Does anyone remember 2017 when Jeremy Guthrie made a spot start of the Nationals? He gave up six hits, walked four, and all ten runners came around to score. Guthrie failed to get out of the first inning. Embarrassing. He didn’t get another shot, he was granted free agency before the ink was dry on the scorecard from that game.

Okay, all jokes aside for real. As we continue to live in a global pandemic, the majority of society is suffering from COVID fatigue. The normal we are all used to, has been displaced for over a year. While Dr. Fauci is fighting the good fight, fans need some relief from the new normal. Sending Fauci back to the mound sends all the worries of 2020 out with him as well. If fans are fortunate to be back in the stands this year, they should be greeted with first pitches from people surrounding the 2019 World Series team. The fans need reason to be joyous again, while being immersed in the victory lap they were deprived a year ago.

Next. Former Nats pitcher signs with Yankees. dark

Sorry Dr. Fauci, you shouldn’t get the call to come out of the bullpen, and it has little to do with your pitch selection.

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