President George W. Bush was America’s starting pitcher on Oct. 30, 2001.
In the wake of 9/11, the New York Yankees were playing the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 3 of the World Series, and Bush threw out the first pitch. Roger Clemens, the Yankees’ starting pitcher that night, described the unforgettable moments that led up to Bush’s first pitch.
“I was actually in the bullpen warming up getting ready for the game with my pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, and I told Mel let’s stop, I want to watch this,” Clemens said during a recent appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.”
“We have the best view, the whole stadium is going to light up, 55,000, whatever it was. You could see the snipers on top of the stadium, and he came out and threw a strike in front of the world, not just there at Yankee Stadium. It was for the world to see and it was nothing but spectacular.”
Clemens was particularly impressed by Bush’s perfect strike, given the conditions of the mound and the equipment he had on.
“I could only imagine what President Bush was thinking when he was coming out of that dugout, bulletproof vest on. He threw from the top of the mound, and they dressed the mound with some dirt and mixture, and he’s in dress shoes. And so, to even go out there and not slip and be able to kick his leg up, like I said bulletproof vest and windup and throw a perfect strike right down Broadway,” Clemens said.
Clemens said he interacted with Bush in the clubhouse and gave the president a hug. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner said Bush was looking for a place to warm up when he received some sage advice from Derek Jeter.
“At the old Yankee Stadium you got to go out the clubhouse door and go to the right about 60-70 yards, and he went down there, and Derek Jeter, pretty well-known story, they had some small talk and Derek told him whatever you do Mr. President, don’t bounce it, you’re in Yankee Stadium, they’ll boo you,” Clemens said.
“And I think he got a little nervous then. It was an awesome moment that I know I’ll never forget.”
Clemens hopes that America never forgets 9/11 either.
“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years, I hope these kids that weren’t born then, I hope maybe our generation learned about Pearl Harbor that they learn about and keep 9/11 right there in the forefront of their mind,” Clemens said.
For the 11-time All-Star, playing baseball during that time was a way to give grieving families and friends a chance to escape for a few hours each night. He recalled the late George Steinbrenner bringing family members and friends of those who were lost to the game.
For the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the New York Mets will play the Yankees on Friday night at Yankee Stadium.