Former President George W. Bush, 77, bounces ceremonial first pitch ahead of Game 1 of the World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers – the club he once co-owned

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 from 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. 

Asked about his thoughts on his favorite baseball team playing in its second World Series in history by former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, now a TV analyst, the ex-Republican said: ‘I’m fired up. As are the Rangers fans. We have a good team. […] I think we’re gonna prevail in six games, but we’ll see.’

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 

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Bush laughs with Rodriguez after throwing out the first pitch before Rangers-Diamondbacks

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.

As Bush warmed up beneath the stands of old Yankee Stadium, 22 years ago, Jeter told him ‘Don’t bounce it, they will boo you,’ Bush later recalled. 

‘I picked you in six, too, as well,’ he teasingly reminded the five-time World Series champion on Friday night.

Bush (top C) and Former First Lady Laura Bush (top R) in the first inning of Friday night’s game

Bush shakes hands with Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter prior to Game 3 of the 2001 World Series

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. The younger Bush lives in Dallas.

William Howard Taft was the first president to pitch at a World Series in 1910, before the Washington Senators played the Philadelphia Athletics. He threw the pitch to Hall of Famer, Walter Johnson. 

Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden are the only heads of state who haven’t thrown a ceremonial first pitch either during or after their time in office. Trump threw out a first pitch at Fenway Park in 2006. 

President Barack Obama was the last sitting president to throw a ceremonial first pitch, back on opening day of the 2010 MLB season.