Jill Biden is rooting for the Phillies in the World Series. She's part of a long history of first ladies who loved America's national pastime.

 Democrats are making their final pitches to to hold onto control of the House and the Senate, and hoping to see first lady Jill Biden join them on the campaign trail. But on Friday night, the only pitching she's likely to be watching is going to be taking place in Houston, where her beloved Phillies beat the Astros in Game 1.

"The First Lady will be closely following the World Series and cheering on her home team, the Phillies," her office told CBS News.

There's also a time-honored tradition among first ladies to throw out ceremonial first pitches.In 1971, Pat Nixon was the first to throw out the first pitch, according to Colleen Shogan, senior vice president and director of the David M. Rubenstein Center at the White House Historical Association. Nancy Reagan also threw out a first pitch at Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, and six and a half months later, Barbara Bush threw out the first pitch for the Texas Rangers.