The celebrity will see you now.
The Washington-based Nationals team announced Monday that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert and member of the COVID-19 task force, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on opening day this Thursday.
America’s pastime will be ushered in by Fauci, kicking off the first game with the reigning World Series champions playing the New York Yankees at home. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the adjusted season has been shortened from 162 to 60 games.
“Dr. Fauci has been a true champion for our country during the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout his distinguished career, so it is only fitting that we honor him as we kick off the 2020 season and defend our World Series Championship title,” the team said in a statement.
America’s sweetheart infectious disease specialist has been one of the most visible and prominent members of the COVID-19 Task Force, conducting extensive briefings and appearing on various news shows.
It is no secret that Fauci is a big fan of the Nationals. He wore a face mask with the team’s logo when he appeared on capitol hill for congressional hearings last month alongside other members of the COVID-19 task force to discuss the state of the pandemic response.
Fauci has expressed interest in seeing the Major League Baseball return even if it meant that games would be held without spectators in the stadium.
“I think you’ll probably get enough buy-in from people who are dying to see a baseball game, particularly me. I’m living in Washington, we have the world champion Washington Nationals. I want to see them play again,” Fauci said.
Due to the fear of increasing the spread of the virus, the MLB put the opening day on hold and will operate with enhanced health and safety procedures. Players will be required to use their own personal protective equipment when practical and will follow social distancing guidelines.
This new dash with fame and glamour follows the announcement that Dr. Fauci will be on the cover of the September issue of InStyle magazine.The celebrity doctor invited a photographer to his home last month, capturing him poolside wearing sunglasses and posing in a button-down for the photoshoot.
Fauci and his wife were also interviewed and will be featured in the September issue. During the interview, the couple discussed life during COVID-19 and quarantine and how they have stayed healthy.
“I used to say ‘run,’ but I don’t run very much anymore because at the end of the run, various parts of my body hurt so much,” Fauci said. “Power walking is very enjoyable and relaxing, and we look forward to it,” he said, according to the New York Post.