Former president George W. Bush will throw the first pitch of the 2023 World Series

No doubt the Arizona Diamondbacks will be hoping that the former commander-in-chief doesn’t act as a lucky charm for the team they will have to defeat in the ‘fall classic’, as they attempt to become world champions.

George W. Bush to throw first pitch in 2023 World Series

As confirmed by reports, Former United States President George W. Bush will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the start of Game 1 of the 2023 World Series between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. Since context is always key, we should tell you that Bush, the U.S. president between 2001 and 2009, was part of a group that purchased the Rangers in 1989, though he did relinquish his role as managing partner following his election as Texas governor in 1994.

Being closely linked with the game for more than four decades, and obviously having held office, it’s no surprise to learn that the former president has been responsible for the ceremonial pitches before. Indeed, his most famous pitch could possibly be the one he threw ahead of Game 3 in the 2001 World Series between the Diamondbacks and New York Yankees. That game was played just weeks after the September 11th attacks, such that Bush donned an FDNY sweater over a bull-proof vest before proceeding to pitch the ball to Roger Clemens. True fans will recall that Bush later disclosed that then-Yankees star Derek Jeter told him, “Don’t bounce it, they will boo you.” Friday’s game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas will mark the first time that he’s tasked with throwing the first ball.

Is George W. Bush a bad omen?

While we can all agree that it always comes down to what happens on the field, it’s hard to ignore the weight of history when it comes to sports. That’s to say that back in 2001 the Diamondbacks went on to win that World Series in seven games in what was only their fourth year of existence as a franchise in MLB. Between then and now, the team has only managed to win two playoff series. As you can imagine, there are many who are making a mountain out of that fact. Though we don’t have a definitive stance on the matter, it’s probably safe to assume that there are quite a few Rangers fans, who don’t like the idea that the former president will be present on the opening night of the World Series.