Ambidextrous President Harry Truman

Was there ever an ambidextrous president who could throw with both hands?

Yes, President Harry S. Truman from Missouri was ambidextrous and could throw well with both hands. He used to throw out the first ball on opening day for professional baseball.

Harry Truman in the news, Statesville Record, NC 18 Apr 1949

President Harry Truman throws out the first ball on opening day
photo: Getty

Ambidextrous Harry to Hurl Opening Ball

The Dixon Telegraph (Dixon, Illinois) 18 Apr 1949

The finest presidential pitcher since William Howard Taft has both arms in dandy shape for the 1949 season.

H. Truman, P., was scheduled to throw out the first ball today as the Washington Nationals square off with the Philadelphia Athletics. ...

Ambidextrous President Truman is believed to be the only right and/or left handed pitcher in big league history.

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