Trump critic José Andrés invited to throw first pitch at World Series Game 5 instead of president

President Trump said he would not be doing honour because he'd 'look too heavy'

The Nationals announce José Andrés will throw first pitch at Game 5 (Getty)

The Washington Nationals have announced that philanthropist chef José Andrés will throw out the first pitch for Game 5 of the World Series, if the series extends that long - an invitation not extended to President Trump, despite him confirming he would be in attendance.

Andrés, a prominent name in the Washington culinary scene, owns multiple DC restaurants and founded World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to feeding those in disaster zones.

He is also an outspoken critic of President Trump. The pair’s ongoing feud first started when Andrés cancelled plans to open a restaurant in the president’s DC hotel in 2016, which was settled in court in 2017.

The humanitarian chef, who was born in Spain, has also criticised the president’s handling of immigration in the US.

On Twitter, the chef shared his gratitude for the invite, while adding that he hopes the Nationals will be able to conclude the series with a win during Game 4 on Saturday. The team is currently up two games to none against the Astros.

“I’m humbled by the invitation, and I realise it is a big big big honour but I really hope that by Saturday night all of WASHINGTON will be celebrating that the Nationals are the 2019 MLB World Series Champions,” Andrés wrote.

The team’s announcement comes after President Trump announced on Thursday during a medal ceremony in the Oval Office that he plans to attend Game 5 of the World Series at Nationals Park.

While speaking to a reporter at the time, the president said that he would not be tasked with throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

“I’ll look too heavy,” Mr Trump said, citing “heavy armour” he would have to dress in - apparently a reference to the bulletproof vests presidents sometimes wear at the request of Secret Service when they are in high-volume areas.

In addition to Andrés, the team announced the first pitch of Game 3 will be thrown by two members of the 2005 Nationals team, Chad Cordero and Brian Schneider. Game 4 will see the first pitch thrown by a player from the team’s youth baseball academy.

If the series extends to Game 5, it will take place on Sunday.