First fan-in-chief: Sports and the White House

Gerald Ford is shown as he played football for the University of Michigan in 1934. He won three varsity letters as a lineman and was voted most valuable player in 1934 at center for Michigan. He later took part in the Shrine Bowl and Pro-All Stars games. At Yale University Law School, he served as assistant varsity football coach to Ducky Pond and freshman boxing coach.

(University of Michigan Sports / McClatchy-Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

Jan. 13, 2017 9:46 AM PT

Sports — including the celebration of champions, such as the Cubs at the White House on Monday — are part of the job as President of the United States.

President Ronald Reagan is shown in the Cubs dugout before the start of the game against Pittsburgh on Sept. 30, 1988.

(Ed Wagner / Chicago Tribune)

Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray is joined in the booth by President Ronald Reagan during a surprise visit to Wrigley Field in Chicago on Sept. 30, 1988.

(Charles Tasnadi / Associated Press)

President Ronald Reagan throws out the first ball at fan appreciation day at Wrigley Field as the Cubs go up against Pittsburgh on Sept. 30, 1988.

(Ed Wagner / Chicago Tribune)

George H. W. Bush standing in front of a “Yale Fence” in his baseball uniform at Yale University, circa 1945-48.

(Handout / McClatchy-Tribune)

Texas Gov. George W. Bush cheers for the Rangers during a game on Sept. 27, 1996, at The Ballpark in Arlington, Tex.

(ERIC GAY / Associated Press)

Former President George W. Bush and Rangers owner Nolan Ryan watch the game in the first inning against the White Sox at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Tex., on May 23, 2011.

(Sharon Ellman / McClatchy-Tribune)

President Bill Clinton winds up his driver on the 16th tee of the George Fazio Golf Course at Hilton Head Island on Jan. 1, 1999.

(J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama looks on as the Bulls play the Wizards on Feb. 27, 2009 in Washington, D.C.

(Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden putt on the White House putting green April 24, 2009. in Washington, D.C.

(The White House / Getty Images)

U.S. Senator Barack Obama throws out the first pitch before Game 2 of the ALCS at U.S. Cellular Field on Oct. 12, 2005.

(Charles Cherney / Chicago Tribune)

President Barack Obama talks to fans during the game between the Nationals and the White Sox at Nationals Park on June 18, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

(Greg Fiume / Getty Images)

President Barack Obama dons a Bulls hat as he appears at campaign fundraiser at Navy Pier in Chicago on April 14, 2011.

(Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune)

President Barack Obama throws out the first pitch at the 2009 All-Star Game at Busch Stadium on July 14, 2009 in St Louis, Mo.

(Travis Lindquist / Getty Images)

President Barack Obama looks over the bracket with Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 27, 2010.

(Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

President Barack Obama watches as the Bulls and the Cavaliers battle in the first half of the season opener at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 27, 2015.

(Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

President Barack Obama at a Bulls-Cavaliers game at the United Center on Oct. 27, 2015.

(Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

President Barack Obama doffs his cap after putting on the 18th green at the Kapolei Golf Club in Kapolei on Dec. 21, 2016 during his annual Christmas vacation in Hawaii.

(Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images)