Conservatives mock Fauci on first pitch

Conservative media pundits mocked Anthony Fauci’s first pitch after it went well off the mark of reaching home plate on Thursday night.

Fauci, 79, a key member of the White House coronavirus task force and the government’s top infectious disease expert, was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch for Major League Baseball’s abbreviated season, which began Thursday.

The pitch didn’t reach home plate and wasn’t thrown in a straight line, either, leading to some mockery of Fauci, who has emerged as a lighting rod on the right.  

Okay, so Fauci’s ceremonial First Pitch today missed the catcher’s mitt by a county or two. Still way closer to target than any of his COVID predictions. https://t.co/fdiiYjKjSu

— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) July 23, 2020

Fauci’s first pitch was about as accurate and disciplined as his preparations and predictions for the China Virus

pic.twitter.com/aTFWjffSvF

— Benny (@bennyjohnson) July 23, 2020

Fauci’s first pitch came closer to the plate than any of his COVID-19 predictions. https://t.co/v6tNY1WWgg

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) July 23, 2020

Fauci’s first pitch was anecdotal. It’s not entirely clear and we won’t know for sure whether it’s fair or foul for several weeks. pic.twitter.com/M9ZzVTOjHJ

— Chris Stigall (@ChrisStigall) July 23, 2020

Fauci over the last several weeks has been attacked by other members of the White House. President Trump in an interview described Fauci as an “alarmist,” but has more recently said that he and the doctor have a strong relationship.

Fauci is widely respected in Congress, including by many Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) vouched for him last week, saying he had total confidence in him.

But other conservative Republicans, such as Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), have regularly criticized Fauci.

A recent Quinnipiac poll found a majority of Republicans now distrust Fauci, though a majority of Democrats and a majority overall have faith in him, the survey said. 

It was also announced on Thursday that Trump will throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 15, marking the first time he has thrown out a first pitch since taking office. He will do so without a crowd in the stadium, as fans will not be attending games for the foreseeable future given the coronavirus pandemic.

The Washington Nationals lost to the New York Yankees in Thursday’s game. Fauci is a well-known Nationals fan though he rooted for the Yankees growing up.