Prince Harry plays competitive polo and showed on Saturday he could also throw a useful baseball pitch.

A blue Mets cap on his head, the third in line to Britain's throne tossed a strong ceremonial first pitch before New York's game with the Minnesota Twins.

The throw was a bit high but crossed the plate and was successfully handled by Mets catcher Rod Barajas, who then shook the Prince's hand to the cheers of the crowd.

Harry, wearing a white T-shirt, wiped his brow in mock nervousness before the throw, said Major League Baseball's official website (www.mlb.com).

The Mets gave the Prince a specially designed team jersey with the number 22 before going on to lose 6-0 to the Twins.