It was a team effort during Game 4 of the 2010 World Series in Arlington, Texas. Two gentlemen were wearing Texas Rangers colors, but not uniforms.
George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch and his father, George H.W. Bush was by his side. This would be the first time two former presidents attended a World Series game.
With the news of the 41st president's passing Friday, we couldn't help but think of this moment.
Cody Ross, at the time, was roaming the outfield for the Giants. He gave the 41st President of the United States a handshake.
Before the pitch, the two were greeted by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan who was the Rangers' CEO -- he was behind the plate to catch Bush from the mound: It was a high pitch.
As the two left on the golf cart, they stopped near the Rangers dugout and headed to their seats. The umpires shook their hands.
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Evan Grant, of the Dallas Morning News, was there covering the Rangers:
"Whenever George W. Bush shows up at Rangers games, it's a special occasion and he's always greeted warmly," he said. "But when you had a moment like that -- the World Series -- and had both living ex-Presidents from Texas greeted by the other member of Texas Royalty, Nolan Ryan, well, people just went nuts. And it came the night after the first World Series win in Rangers history. The atmosphere was electric. Of course, Mad Bum had to go and be a spoil sport and ruin everybody's fun."
Bumgarner certainly ruined something for the Rangers. Across eight innings, he struck out six and gave up just three hits in the 4-0 victory.
Nevertheless, the Bush family was welcomed with open arms and will always have a special place in the heart of Texas and baseball fans everywhere.
