The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is celebrating America’s pastime with a special event honoring the Bush family’s deep connection to baseball.
On April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy games, crafts and a chance to win one of two signed baseballs—one from the Midland RockHounds and another from Texas Rangers Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez.
“The Bushes’ love of baseball is well documented,” said Troy Gray, site manager. “George H.W. Bush was the captain of the Yale baseball team in 1948, and under his leadership, Yale played in the first two College World Series in 1947 and 1948. His son, George W. Bush, dreamed of being a baseball player and was a passionate collector of signed baseball cards from legends like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Roger Maris.”
George W. Bush’s connection to the sport extended beyond collecting. He later became part owner of the Texas Rangers, helping secure a new ballpark and bringing star pitcher Nolan Ryan to the team.
“This event will bring out that same love for America’s pastime that the Bushes had,” Gray said. “One of the rooms in the Bush home is dedicated as our baseball room, showcasing the family’s rich history with the sport.”
Visitors to the event can participate in activities such as crafting vintage baseball pins, playing baseball with Wiffle ball equipment and enjoying a vintage tin baseball table game.
The RockHounds’ mascot will make an appearance at 3 p.m. to greet guests and announce the winners of the signed baseballs. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take free self-guided tours of the historic home.
“There’s going to be so much going on! Plus, there’s a chance to win two signed baseballs! It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Erin Frigo, educator at the Bush Family Home.
The Texas Rangers organization provided the signed baseball from Rodríguez upon request.
“Believe it or not, we just asked for it,” Gray said. “One of my educators had interned at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, and we were able to make the connection.”
This marks the first time the RockHounds have participated in an event at the Bush Family Home since the Texas Historical Commission took over the site.
Gray hopes the event will become an annual tradition.
“We’ve always wanted to do a baseball day, and this is just the beginning. Hopefully, we can involve local Little League teams in the future,” he said.
The Bush Family Home State Historic Site is located at 1412 West Ohio St. in Midland. For more information, visit the Bush Family Home website.