ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Derek Jeter got a surprise presidential farewell before playing his final game in Texas, when former President George W. Bush took part in a pregame ceremony.
Retired Rangers All-Stars Michael Young and Ivan Rodriguez first presented Jeter a pair of cowboy boots inscribed with the New York team logo, his name and No. 2 before Wednesday's game. A video was then shown of Bush at Yankee Stadium before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series.
Bush spoke in the video of his interactions with the Yankees shortstop while preparing to throw out the first pitch just weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
After the video, Bush came on the field and gave Jeter a framed signed picture of the two together in the batting cage that night.