VIERA, Fla. -- The Nationals have invited President Barack Obama to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at their home opener against the Phillies on April 13, according to team president Stan Kasten.

There is no word if Obama, a White Sox fan, will accept the invitation. If Obama does, he will become the second president to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Nationals home opener. In 2005 and '08, President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium and Nationals Park, respectively.

Before Spring Training started, outfielders Willie Harris and Lastings Milledge said they wanted to see Obama at the home opener.

"My family and I already talked about it, and they booked their tickets," Harris said. "They are going to be at the first home game in D.C., and they are coming just for that reason. I'm looking forward to that, too. I hope he comes. I know he has a lot going on. Maybe he can squeeze in an hour or two and come out there and throw the first pitch for us, even though he is a White Sox fan."

Said Milledge: "I think it's significant for any president to throw out the first pitch. Of course, history has been made and it would be important to me if he threw out the first pitch. It would be important for myself to actually meet him and shake his hand. We are living through history right now."