Remembering George H.W. Bush, first pitch in Giants' 2010 World Series

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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 before the Rangers hosted the Giants, and his father, George H.W. Bush was by his side. It marked the first time that two former presidents attended a World Series game. 

With the news of the 41st president's death 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 elder Bush a handshake. 

Before the pitch, the two were greeted by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, who held the title of Rangers CEO. He was set up behind the plate to catch the younger Bush's throw: It was a high pitch.

As the two left on a golf cart, they stopped near the Rangers' dugout and headed to their seats. The umpires shook their hands.

Evan Grant, of the Dallas Morning News, was at the game covering the Rangers.

"Whenever George W. Bush shows up at Rangers games, it's a special occasion, and he's always greeted warmly," Grant said Saturday. "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, MadBum 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 a 4-0 Giants win. The Giants won the next game, too, to claim their first World Series championship in San Francisco.

Nevertheless, the Bush family was welcomed with open arms and always will have a special place in the heart of Texas and baseball fans everywhere.

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