Leon Osman threw the ceremonial first pitch as Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals hosted reigning World Series champions Atlanta Braves on Thursday night.  

Everton take on Premier League rivals Arsenal in Baltimore, close to the US capital, on Saturday, and a party that also included First-Team players Asmir Begovic, Dele, Mason Holgate and James Tarkowski was welcomed by the Nationals – winners of the 2019 World Series. 

Osman, who scored 58 goals in 433 appearances for Everton, took the mound in front of spectators at the US capital’s Nationals Park and threw an impressive ball to mark the opening of the contest.
 
“What an honour and what an opportunity to represent Everton in that way," said Osman. "Throwing a first pitch is a brilliant thing to have done, and I’m glad I didn’t let the Club down.  

“The feedback has been positive, so I’m quite happy. The catcher didn’t have to move so that’s good but, as usual, I need to work on my pace! 

“It’s always fantastic to be out in the States, meeting Evertonians and hearing how much they’re looking forward to Saturday’s game, but also enjoying opportunities like this to visit other sporting organisations and see what their game day looks like.”   
 
Everton take on Arsenal at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, on Saturday (kick-off 7pm ET/12am Sunday 17 July BST). They then travel to Minneapolis to face MLS side Minnesota United next Wednesday, 20 July (kick-off 7pm CT, 1am Thursday 21 July BST).  

Tickets for both of Everton’s pre-season games in the USA are on general sale. Buy online here.