Rangers: George W. Bush Tapped to Throw World Series Ceremonial First Pitch

(Photo : Tom Pennington/Getty Images) ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Former President George W. Bush looks on as the Texas Rangers take on the New York Yankees in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Field on April 27, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

The 2023 World Series is set for Friday, October 27, with the Texas Rangers facing the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 1.

Before the actual game starts, there will be ceremonial pitches taking place. For the Rangers, nothing would be more fitting than to have former United States President George W. Bush throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the World Series in Arlington, according to analyst Jared Sandler, on Thursday, October 26.

Given the honor of catching Bush's pitch is All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

George W. Bush used to be Rangers' co-owner

While most remember him as a former United States President, Bush was a co-owner of the Rangers before he was elected. Hence, it seems only fitting to see the 77-year-old get the honor as the Rangers try to win their first World Series title in franchise history, SI.com reported.

For those who may not be aware, this is not the first time that Bush will throw out the first pitch during a World Series. He did the same in 2017 in the World Series game featuring the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros won over the Dodgers, 4-3, for their first World Series title, the Denver Post reported.

Bush also threw the first pitch in Game 3 of the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and, ironically, the Diamondbacks. Arizona, underdogs then, won over the Yankees, 4-3, per the Bleacher Report.

Sandler also revealed that Game 2 of the World Series will have another familiar name throwing out the first pitch. Ex-Rangers slugger Adrian Beltre will throw the ceremonial first pitch to pitcher Ferguson Jenkins.