For many, 2001 was a defining year. After the tragic events 9/11, the American public was clamoring for a hero who could be the lightning rod for their feelings. Despite the criticism he might have received since then, President George W. Bush was that for the American public. And what better location to showcase that spirit than before a raucous crowd at Yankee Stadium in New York?

The visit was made all the more memorable because of an exchange between the President and Yankees legend Derek Jeter. Having been the Yankees captain for quite some time, Jeter had an ear to the ground when it came to the average Yankees fan, and he knew a thing or two about the lofty expectations they placed on anyone walking out there. And he made sure that the President knew it, too.

Derek Jeter’s Memorable Exchange With the President

Derek Jeter has always been the man at Yankee Stadium. The star has enjoyed a fabled presence in Pinstripes and has been a hero for the Bronx numerous times. So when the 5x World Series Champion talks about the New York Yankees fanbase, everyone listens including the President of the United States.

In the aftermath of 9/11, the American populous was looking to their President for a show of belief and strength. And while the press conferences and media briefings certainly played a large part, the pressure was on Bush when he was asked to throw the first pitch at Yankee stadium before a game. And Derek Jeter certainly made it no easier.

In a video former President Bush recalls, that while he was practicing his pitch at Yankee stadium prior to the game, Jeter walked up to him and asked where he would be pitching from. While in professional baseball pitchers are asked to deliver from the mound, some ceremonial first pitches are thrown from in front of the mound to make it easier for the general public. Jeter however, insisted that the pitch be thrown from the mound itself.

Recalls Jeter, “I told him you’d better throw it from the mound otherwise you’re gonna get booed. This is Yankee Stadium.” Just as he was leaving the room, Jeter told the former President, “Don’t bounce it. They’ll boo you.”

Bush Doesn’t Back Down

Ever the one to take on a challenge, the former President took on the challenge with aplomb. Walking out to chants of USA, President Bush took the mound amid cheers from the crowd and gave the world a thumbs up sign showcasing the American spirit. Standing tall in defiance despite the most heinous actions the country had suffered.

Read More: During the 9/11 Tragedy, Derek Jeter Unveiled How the New York Yankees Tried to Ease the Pain of America in 2017

True to his word, President Bush fired in the first pitch successfully and the game went on as planned. But that moment stands out as a part of modern baseball folklore. A moment when Yankee Stadium stuck together and showed the world what America was really about.

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