Ceremonial first pitch

Do you know how when you start a race, there is someone who goes first and then everyone else follows? That person is called the "starter". Well, in baseball, there is a really special "first pitch" that happens before the game starts. This "first pitch" is like a big ceremony to start the game off in a fun way.

Usually, someone very important or famous gets to throw the first pitch. They stand on a special part of the field called the "pitcher's mound" and they get ready to throw the ball to the catcher. The catcher is someone on the other team who is waiting to catch the ball.

Sometimes, the person throwing the first pitch is so important that they don't even play baseball at all. They might be a famous actor, musician, or even the President!

People love watching the "ceremonial first pitch" because it's like a way to get excited for the game and to see someone important doing something fun and silly. And, of course, it's always fun to see if they throw the ball really well or if they need a little practice!