Until the 4th inning, it was looking pretty good for both the Washington Nationals and Teddy Roosevelt on opening day at Nationals Park. Then the bottom fell out.
Pitcher John Lannan lost control in the top of the 4th, gave up the lead, and let the Phillies bat around the order.
Teddy too, looked good coming out of the gate following an exciting new scoreboard introduction in the middle of the 4th. He took a close lead around the final turn, but appeared to pull up lame after high-fiving a fan in the stands. As the other presidents and members of the Nat Pack tried to help Teddy up, Abe Lincoln raced from behind to claim the first presidents race victory of 2010.
With that, the spring hopes of many Washington Nationals fans were muted considerably. Hopes had been running high for signs of both a Nationals team turnaround and an end to Teddy’s losing streak, but the Nats’ pitching could not deliver, and Teddy’s status for Wednesday’s race is now uncertain.
Fans of the presidents race had been hoping that president Barack Obama would perhaps make a presidents race appearance of his own.
Our 44th president was on hand to throw out the first pitch, continuing a long-standing tradition of presidential first pitches in Washington.
Obama, a devout fan of the Chicago White Sox, took the field at the end of an elaborate 30-minute opening ceremony.
He approached the pitchers mound wearing a Nationals warm-up jacket, but pulled a White Sox cap out of his pocket and donned it before tossing the ceremonial pitch to Ryan Zimmerman. Much to the dismay of many Nats fans, the First Fan made it clear where his allegiances lie.
Obama left before the 4th inning, and failed to see either the game or the presidents race.
Video courtesy of YouTube member lfahome
LET TEDDY WIN 
That is so not classy that the Pres wore a white sox cap to a Nats game!….I am disappointed.
RE:Teddy…..take a deep breath, Teddy, and let it out long. Relax!! You are gonna get your groove on when you Let Go!!
I disagree. It’s his team! I support him being loyal to his team.
I agree with Liz. It’s important to support your team even when visiting another park.
I admire his loyalty as a sportsfan, but as a politician, it was a stupid thing to do.
it was hopeful 😦 here’s my pics and vids from Opening Day, including a view from section 232 of the Presidents Race – http://bit.ly/RoyWave