President George W. Bush Baseball Related Quotations

President George W. Bush was the managing general partner of the Texas Rangers from 1989 to 1994. During that time he formed some opinions about our national pastime and some of his thoughts / quotations about the game are posted below.

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"It's hard for me to envision a 'true World Series' (one played with teams from around the world) at this point in time. More likely, American teams will attract more foreign talent, like they've done in the Caribbean." - George W. Bush

President George W. Bush

Quotations From & About George W. Bush

"Baseball isn't just the stats. As much as anything else, baseball is the style of Willie Mays, or the determination of Hank Aaron, or the endurance of a Mickey Mantle, the discipline of Carl Yastrzemski, the drive of Eddie Mathews, the reliability of a (Al) Kaline or a (Joe) Morgan, the grace of a (Joe) DiMaggio, the kindness of a Harmon Killebrew, and the class of Stan Musial, the courage of a Jackie Robinson, or the heroism of Lou Gehrig. My hope for the game is that these qualities will never be lost."

"Baseball should always be played on grass. First, grass is better to look at. Secondly, grass is kinder to the players' legs. Finally, a triple on grass is more legitimate than one on artificial turf."

"Big Texas (Nolan Ryan) is here. The reason I like to keep Nolan around is he is a reminder that when we got done with the Sammy Sosa trade, there was still some talent on the Rangers."

"From baseball I developed a thick skin against criticism. I learned to overlook minor setbacks and focus on the long haul."

"I don't know how I fell in love with baseball, I just loved to play it. Everyone who loves baseball can remember the first time he saw the inside of a real major league park with real big-league players. It stays with you forever - the greenness of the grass, the sight of major leaguers in uniform, the sound of a big-league swing meeting a big-league pitch."

"I never dreamed about being President, I wanted to be Willie Mays."

"I think the players that are worth paying to watch are those who play hard, hustle and are respectful to the fans."

"It's such a wonderful sport. There aren't any time limits, which means you can go and enjoy yourself. It's a great place to go and relax. It's a wonderful place to visit with somebody you love. It's an important part of our history." (April 5, 2004)

"I've had the fortune of being a part of baseball and have never been so impressed by a club that came together and played like the (2003) Marlins. It speaks a lot about the ownership, the manager, the support personnel and the players."

"None of my committee members are up for trade. Our (presidential) team is clicking on all cylinders, and I know how trades can turn out. I'm the one who traded Sammy Sosa to the Chicago White Sox!"

"One of the great things about living here (in the White House) is that you don't have to sign up for a baseball fantasy camp to meet your heroes. It turns out, they come here."

"The Donald Rumsfeld of baseball. He's (Jack McKeon of the 2003 Florida Marlins) kinda crusty, but knows what he's doing."

"The fact that foreign-born players play in our Major Leagues is positive. Any time that you can add new blood and competition to the game, it makes it better, and it also helps our society understand people with different cultures."

"The most exciting way for a World Series game to end would be with a great throw from the outfield to nail a runner at home. The play would require three players (the outfielder, an infielder and the catcher) to make a good play."

"The most important qualities for a (baseball) manager are to plan for the season and foster a team spirit that encourages hard work and the desire to win. A good president must set clear goals, recruit the best, build a spirit of teamwork, and be willing to share credit and take the blame."

"They won when a lot of people said they weren't supposed to win. I remember when my friend, Pudge Rodriguez, stood up to the world and said, '2003 is going to be the year of the Marlin' and a lot of people said, 'I'm not so sure he knows what he's talking about.' Turns out he did know what he was talking about."

"Yogi's (Berra) been an inspiration to me. Not only because of his baseball skills, of course, but because of the enduring mark he left on the English language. Some of the press corps here even think you are my speech writer."

** President's Statement on the passing of Ted Williams **

"With the passing of Ted Williams, America lost a baseball legend. Whether serving the country in the Armed Forces or excelling on the baseball diamond, Ted Williams demonstrated unique talent and love of country.

He inspired young ballplayers across the Nation for decades, and we will always remember his persistence on the field and his courage off the field. Ted gave baseball some of its best seasons-and he gave his own best seasons to his country.

He will be greatly missed."

"He was pretty laid back and cool. He is a real positive man, positive and focused. Inspiring. He talked a lot more about what is going on with the country, but also about baseball. He told us about firing Bobby Valentine." - Ryan Klesko

"His core principles will not change with the winds of polls or politics or fame or fortune or misfortune. I know because I've known him through big legislative successes and a few defeats. I sat by his side during some winning and many losing baseball seasons. But George never loses sight of home plate." - Laura Bush during the Republican National Convention on July 31, 2000

"I never played in a World Series. Being here is my World Series and Mr. Bush is the manager." - Ernie Banks

Quotations From & About George W. Bush
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baseball almanac fast facts

Did you know that President George W. Bush's grandfather batted fourth for the 1917 Yale baseball team and that his father was the captain of the Yale baseball team and a first baseman in the 1947 College World Series?

President George W. Bush attended his first Major League Baseball game (well before his presidency) at the Polo Grounds.

President George W. Bush is the first Little League player to occupy the Oval Office and he has collected more than two-hundred fifty autographed baseballs.