Ronald Reagan wasn't the first United States President to recognize the advantages of aligning himself with competitive athletics. That tradition dates back to at least 1892, when Benjamin Harrison became the first President to attend a major league baseball game.

William Taft expanded on the theme, delivering the ceremonial first pitch that launched the 1910 season. Later that day, the 300- pound President inadvertently birthed the seventh-inning stretch when he stood up to stretch his legs. Thinking he was leaving, fans stood up out of respect. Seeing that he wasn't, they sat back down.