Gary Sheffield, Jr
Videos by OutKick
After the horrific tragedies on September 11, 2011, George Bush made a statement by throwing out the first pitch in game three of the 2001 World Series. It ended up being one of the only moments where everyone agreed on something: Uniting as Americans was finally more important than politics.
The greatest first pitch in history 🇺🇸
— Bench Bros Sports (@benchbrossports) September 11, 2020
George Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium for Game 3 of the World Series in 2001. pic.twitter.com/KYf1WDGj5H pic.twitter.com/VyOfaK03hy
Author David Fisher even mentions in the video: “Didn’t vote for him, but at that point my personal feelings about him as a politician were gone.”
We say every September that we’ll never forget, but we misconstrue what that actually means. “Never forget” is to remember to treat each other the way we did post-9/11. A nation of people that cared less about politics and more about being an American.
George Bush’s courage in this video will always serve as an example of how we should live. Fearless, proud, bold, and impartial. Never forget.
I cried when that pitch hit the mitt. It was a “hell yeah!” moment we all needed. I still can’t watch that without tearing up.
That’s American pride. Thanks for reading.
That moment gave me chills. It still does when I go back and watch it. The nervous energy in the stadium. The fact that he stepped up to the rubber (not the bottom of the mound), and threw a perfect strike!
Gary, you nailed it. That”s what sports are supposed to do. Unite us. No matter our background, our beliefs, our economic status, etc. We were united. In some ways, it doesn’t feel that long ago. But in too many ways, it does feel like a lifetime ago.
Every memory I have is pre-post 9/11. Life changing event. Thanks for reading.
Damn, Gary! My favourite piece so far from you. Well executed!
Thanks for reading!
I got chills watching and ready this. Thank you Gary.
Another superb piece by Gary. Such a fantastic edition to the Outkick staff. Well done.
Thank you, Gary. Was a fan of your dad and am becoming a fan of you too.
Thank you for remembering, Gary…it was an indescribable time in NYC.
Love this piece Gary. I remember buying a new flag (to replace my faded one) and enjoying the sight of all the patriotic t-shirts being worn. The unity was amazing.
That pitch was an uppercut to the jaw of the still sadly present liberal loser mob. What a knockout it was. Glorious. Gary Sr. would have jacked it to the cheap seats but that’s ok. Its meaning was America and its strength. If you hate the USA you won’t get chills watching a replay – everyone else will have chicken skin like you read about seeing it. USA! I F’ing loved that pitch.
Say you what you want to about Bush but that pitch was pitch perfect. it’s a moment in time. You get crapped out by the left and you don’t want to be as low and petty, but you end up saying what would Bill Clinton have done. Drop the ball and hop over the fence and make out with some scraggly hag.
Same Series. Game 4 featured Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA’. I play this every Fourth of July.
Tough Memories there guys, but that’s back when America WAS Tough.
Right down the middle. Doesn’t get any sweeter than that. Add in him wearing a bulletproof vest under that jacket and the pressure and gravity of the moment, that throw is immortal. I remember worrying that terrorists were going to suicide bomb Yankee Stadium, and that all went away watching George Bush’ confident, defiant strut and then he threw a perfect ball. That entire series was so riveting. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling were so good, they overcame the Yankee talent and the desire of most of the country for the Yankees to win because it made for a perfect ending where the Yankees won it for the 3,000+ victims and all those that sacrificed to help at Ground Zero.
I find myself scrolling to reread this article and rewatch this clip; probably will continue to do so in the coming days. Great memory, thanks for posting.