Sweet Tribute to George H.W. and Barbara Bush Gives Astros’ Houston Opening Day a Touching Tone

At first, they’re just introduced simply as “Two Astros fans,” which somehow sounds about perfect. George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush are much more than that, of course. But at Minute Maid Park, that became part of their remarkable American lives.

The Bushes — a couple married for 73 years — loved to go to Houston Astros games. So it’s only fitting that the Astros honored the couple in the club’s first home game since George H.W. Bush died in December, just seven months after the passing of his beloved wife.

The tribute before Friday night’s home opener was understated — and just right. With a fighter jet flyover that shook the stadium and a Navy Lieutenant Commander (and former Texas A&M grad) Greg Sharp singing the National Anthem, a video tribute to the First Couple of the Astros is played on the giant scoreboard screen.

More than a few fans are left with tears in their eyes from the video.

Then, commemorative bricks honoring the former president and First Lady are presented to the Bush family — including Neil Bush, Pierce Bush and George P. Bush. These inscribed bricks — more like half slabs really — will be placed in Minute Maid Park as permanent markers.

George P., the grandson of the couple, also throws out the first pitch on this night.

Few presidents and First Ladies have ever been linked to a baseball team quite like George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush are forever tied to the Astros. Some of the franchise’s greatest moments — including the Post Hurricane Harvey 2017 World Series championship — included cameos from George and Barbara.

“They came to a lot of games,” Astros owner Jim Crane notes. “They were here for Game 5 (the epic 13-12 World Series extra inning affair in 2017), probably the greatest game in franchise history. They were great fans.”

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow remembered coming to Minute Maid when he was still with the St. Louis Cardinals and seeing George and Barbara in the stands. There was nothing fake about this celebrity fandom.

George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush were no Drake type, changing-allegiances-like-T-shirts, fans. They were the real deal.

Which is probably why their deaths still resonate so deeply with Astros fans. On a party of an Opening Day that included easier ballpark entry for the fans, a new Pluckers wings bar, injured pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. showing up at the ballpark in a Dallas Keuchel jersey, Crane signing autographs for fans along the warning track in the pregame and a soaring Carlos Correa home run, the tribute to George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush made the most impact of all.

That’s George and Barbara, about the sweetest pair of Astros fans you’ll ever know.