Donald Trump will not participate in the longstanding Major League Baseball tradition of US presidents throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at Washington Opening Day games.
Trump, who was inaugurated on January 20, was extended an invitation by the Nationals but declined due to a scheduling conflict, a team spokesman told ESPN.
Washington open their season on Monday against the Miami Marlins.
Former presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush have thrown out ceremonial first pitches at Nationals games.
William Howard Taft was the first president to throw out a ceremonial first pitch for the Washington Senators in 1910. Thirteen presidents in all have thrown out ceremonial first pitches for the Nationals and Senators franchises.
Reuters