Former U.S. President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 1 of the Word Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers, who owned the latter from 1984 to 1994.
Friday night in Arlington, Texas, was Bush’s fourth ceremonial first pitch in the World Series, but his first before an opener. He emerged from the dugout at Globe Life Field next to former Rangers catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.
The 77-year-old, America’s 43rd president, and other investors bought the Rangers 34 years ago for $89 million. While Bush himself acquired only two percent of the team, he became general manager and front office leader of Texas.
Bush left the Rangers after being elected governor of Texas in 1994 and sold his stake in the franchise in 1998. He reached the White House two years later and has not had any formal ties to the franchise in his post-presidential life. .
Asked for his thoughts on his favorite baseball team playing in the second World Series in history, the former Republican said, “I’m excited. Just like the Rangers fans. We have a good team. Arizona is good. I think we will be victorious in six games, but we will see.”
Former Texas Rangers member Ivan Rodriguez and former US President George W. Bush
Bush – America’s 43rd president – threw out the ceremonial first pitch in Game 1 of the Word Series
The two-time elected former president, 77, bought the Rangers, his favorite MLB team, in 1989.
Bush laughs with Rodriguez after throwing out the first pitch for Rangers-Diamondbacks
Bush served as US President from 2001-2009 and threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 3 of the 2001 Word Series at Yankee Stadium between New York and Arizona. Under heavy security after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Bush wore a bulletproof vest.
As Bush warmed up under the stands of the old Yankee Stadium, the Yankees’ Derek Jeter told him, “Don’t bounce, they’ll boo you,” Bush later recalled.
Bush threw out ceremonial first pitches with his father, former President George HW Bush, before Game 4 of the 2010 World Series in Texas and prior to Game 5 of the 2017 World Series in Houston.
More to follow…