Updated

Everyone from presidents to pop stars have thrown out ceremonial first pitches at Major League Baseball games through the years.

The Detroit Tigers have invited a unique individual to do the honors on Tuesday: A samurai warrior.

The samurai first pitch before the game against the Houston Astros is a tie-in to the ongoing exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

"Samurai: Beyond the Sword" provides a look at Japan's elite samurai, who sought balance between military and cultural pursuits.

Among the artworks on display at the DIA show are helmets, masks and paintings of Buddhist and Chinese figures, as well as scenes of battles, Noh theatre costumes and illustrated classical literature on screen and scroll paintings.

"Samurai: Beyond the Sword" runs through June 1.