(Getty Images)

Nationals pick Dr. Anthony Fauci to throw out first pitch in season opener

by · Sporting News

The Nationals have selected one of their biggest fans to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of their season opener Thursday night against the Yankees: Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of theNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Fauci, who has been a leader in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been sporting a Nationals mask of late and has often espoused his love of the World Series champions.

"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," wrote the Nationals in a statement.

MORE: Don't sleep on the Reds

Having a medical professional accustomed to working outside public view throw the first pitch is symbolic of the twisted, coronavirus-ownedtimes the U.S. is living through. When the Nationals won the World Series last October, few fans knew about Dr. Fauci. Now, he's a household name nationwide.

Washington will start Max Scherzer on Thursday, while the Yankees are expected totrot out Gerrit Cole. The Nationals tagged Cole, then a member of the Astros, for six runs in 14 innings during the World Series.