Bush, Houston Sports Franchises Were Mutual Fans Of One Another

HOUSTON, TX — As the nation mourns the loss of President George H.W. Bush, his hometown sports franchises are also feeling his loss, maybe in a more profound way that most realize.

Bush and his wife, the late Barbara Bush, were frequent attendees at Houston Astros baseball games and were fixtures in the seats behind home plate at Minute Maid park.

But all of that changed after the Astros made their 2017 World Series run.

Mrs. Bush died in April as spring training was getting underway and a saddened George H.W. Bush took leave of Houston for a while, traveling to his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

The familiar faces of the Bush’s sitting behind home plate, and seen by Houstonians on televised Astros games were noticeably absent during the 2018 season, and seemed to leave a void in Minute Maid Park.

Houston Astros hall of famer Craig Biggio shared fond memories of the former first couple, and of memories of catching a number of Bush's first pitches.

Craig Biggio reflects on President George H.W. Bush: pic.twitter.com/9nZIddCo4v
— Houston Astros (@astros) December 2, 2018

“President Bush was a great American who devoted his life to serving his country. He epitomized class and dignity and was a true patriot,” Houston Astros Owner Jim Crane said in a statement on Saturday. “The Houston Astros had the great privilege of hosting President Bush and his wife Barbara at Astros games for many years. As loyal fans, they stuck with us through the challenging years and were there to celebrate Houston’s first World Series championship in 2017.”

Crane recalled fondly that it was President Bush who threw out the first pitch in game five of the World Series between the Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park, a game that was considered one of of the most exciting in World Series history.

“As our nation mourns his passing, our entire Astros organization sends heartfelt condolences to the Bush family,” Crane said. “ We will greatly miss him.”

The death of former President George H.W. Bush was also the latest tragic blow for the NFL’s Houston Texans, who only two weeks ago lost the team’s owner after a five-year battle with cancer.

Although not always seen, Bush was often present at Houston Texans games and was a close friend of McNair’s.

The night McNair died, Bush released a statement on Twitter expressing his condolences to the team for the loss of his friend.

Statement by former President @GeorgeHWBush on the very sad news that his dear friend Bob McNair of the @HoustonTexans passed today. pic.twitter.com/kFm5aya18J
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) November 24, 2018

On Friday, Nov. 30, members of the Houston Texans, Houston Astros and Houston Rockets all expressed their heart-felt condolences to the Bush family.

Rest In Peace President Bush. #RIP41 pic.twitter.com/7gSS76ErJG
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 1, 2018

Statement from Texans Chairman and COO Cal McNair on President George H. W. Bush. pic.twitter.com/1pjqvAdajX
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 1, 2018

Statement from @TilmanJFertitta and family on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. pic.twitter.com/sfi5V6JIxQ
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 1, 2018

Bush’s funeral will be held on Thursday in Houston. His casket will be taken by the iconic 4141 train from Spring to Texas A&M University in College Station, where he will be buried next to his wife, Barbara, and their daughter Robin, who died in 1953 of leukemia.

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Image: Former U.S. President George Bush speaks with Texans owner Robert McNair before a game against the New York Jets at Reliant Stadium on Oct. 19, 2003 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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