George W. Bush makes World Series prediction and throws out first pitch
George W. Bush has a hunch about who will win this year’s World Series.
Speaking to Derek Jeter on Fox before throwing out the first pitch in Game 1 of the Fall Classic at Globe Life Field, the former president is excited about the Rangers – the team he once had a stake in.
“I’m excited, like every Rangers fan,” Bush told Jeter. “We have a good team – Arizona is good. I think we will win in six games. We will see.”
When the Hall of Fame Yankees shortstop said he also picked the Rangers to win in six against the Diamondbacks, Bush seemed satisfied.
“Atta, boy, yeah,” he replied.
Bush later recalled throwing out the first pitch before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series between Jeter’s Yankees and Arizona.
On this pitch, the 43rd president delivered a perfect strike from the pitcher’s rubber.
“Back then it was a totally different environment, I’m relaxing and the Yankee captain comes in,” Bush said. “‘Hey, Prez,’ it was you, and you say, ‘Are you going to throw from the mound?’ And I said, “What do you think?” I would like.’ And then, as you were leaving, you said, “Don’t bounce it, they’ll boo you.” All I thought about on the mound was you.
Bush, 77, then said he wouldn’t throw him off the mound Friday night.
“Well, it’s Texas, so if you bounce it, they won’t boo you,” Jeter said.
Bush actually threw the ball a shorter distance this time while wearing a Rangers jacket.
He threw a bouncer to Hall of Fame catcher and Rangers legend Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, and he was greeted with plenty of cheers.
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