Former U.S. President George W. Bush threw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the Word Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers, owning the latter from 1984 to 1994.
Friday night at in Arlington, Texas, was Bush’s fourth World Series ceremonial first pitch but his first before an opener. He emerged out of the dugout at Globe Life Field alongside former Rangers catcher Ivan ‘Pudge’ Rodriguez.
The 77-year-old, who’s America’s 43rd President, and other investors purchased the Rangers for $89million, 34 years ago. While Bush himself only acquired two percent of the team, he became Texas’ managing general partner and its front office leader.
Bush left the Rangers after he was elected governor of Texas in 1994 and sold his stake in the franchise in 1998. He made it to the White House two years later, and has not had any formal ties to the franchise in his post-presidential life.
Bush was U.S. president from 2001-2009 and threw the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the 2001 Word Series at Yankee Stadium between New York and Arizona. With heavy security following the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Bush wore a bulletproof vest.
Former member of the Texas Rangers Ivan Rodriguez and former US President George W. Bush
Bush – America’s 43rd President – threw 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 before Rangers-Diamondbacks
As Bush warmed up beneath the stands of old Yankee Stadium, the Yankees’ Derek Jeter told him ‘Don’t bounce it, they will boo you,’ Bush later recalled.
The former Republican : ‘I’m fired up. As are the Rangers fan. We have a good team. Arizona’s good. I think we’re gonna prevail in six games, but we’ll see.’
Bush threw out ceremonial first pitches with his father, former President George H.W. 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…