Question

What does the word patronage refer to as it is used in this sentence?

“It boasted that Taft, by throwing out the first pitch, had endorsed the game as one ‘worthy of the patronage of every class of people in this broad land.’”

A the fans’ attendance
B the president’s pitch
C the players’ success
D the sport’s popularity

Answer 1

A. The fans’ attendance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term "patronage" refers to the support, encouragement, or help given. In other words, we can say patronage is the act of giving support to any cause, which can be anything, through financial support, or moral support, or even any form of help or aid given.

In the given lines from "The President Pitches! A Baseball Tradition Begins" by Katherine L. House, the decision to let President Taft throw the first pitch would be the start of the tradition. And in its use of the word "patronage" in the sentence, it refers to the presence or attendance of the fans that would make the game. The author states that the tradition of making a person of some importance throw the first pitch at the start of every game is worthy of the support/ attendance of the fans, who comprise "every class of people in this broad land."

Thus, the correct answer is option A.