Presidents, Baseball, and Preparation for Success

Baseball has long been called America’s pastime, and many U.S. Presidents have shared a deep connection with the game. From throwing out ceremonial first pitches to playing on the field themselves, the ties between the Oval Office and the diamond run deep.

Presidents & Their Love for Baseball

• Abraham Lincoln was said to enjoy a game of town ball—a predecessor of baseball—on the White House lawn.
• Teddy Roosevelt may have been known for football and boxing, but his son convinced him that baseball was just as important.
• William Howard Taft started the tradition of Presidents throwing the ceremonial first pitch, a tradition that continues today.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt urged Major League Baseball to keep playing during World War II, believing it would boost American morale.
• George W. Bush, a former owner of the Texas Rangers, famously threw a perfect strike at Yankee Stadium after 9/11.

Preparation is Key—In Baseball & Real Estate

Just like a batter steps into the on-deck circle to focus, strategize, and prepare for success at the plate, strong leadership—whether in baseball, real estate, or the presidency—starts with preparation. That’s why Wallace Real Estate is proud to be the official sponsor of the Knoxville Smokies’ On-Deck Circles at Covenant Health Park.

Since 1936, Wallace has been helping generations of East Tennesseans step up to their biggest moments—buying or selling a home—with the confidence that comes from having the right team by your side.

This Presidents Day, we celebrate the history of baseball and leadership—because success starts with preparation.