Every baseball fan has seen a first pitch. But how many have watched the Vice President of the United States take the field and play first base for real? In one surreal night in Denver, George H.W. Bush did exactly that, and the city has told the story ever since. Our targeted keyword is right here up front too: when George H.W. Bush became a Denver Bear for a night.
From the 1960s through the 1980s, the Denver Bears were part of the city’s sports identity. Long before the Colorado Rockies, the Bears gave families an easy night at the ballpark. Cheap tickets, friendly vibes, and creative promotions kept the stands full.
We went big to push Denver closer to Major League Baseball. We built the world’s largest banana split. We brought The Beach Boys to the park. We invited the famous San Diego Chicken nine times. Each stunt drew press and proved Denver could support top level baseball.
Then came a special showcase night that gathered legends. It was packed with Hall of Famers and old pros. That night set the conditions for something no one had planned.
How George H.W. Bush ended up on the field
George H.W. Bush happened to be in Denver, staying at the Brown Palace Hotel. Baseball greats were there too. He was a former Yale baseball captain and loved talking shop with players in the lobby. Warren Spahn, a friend of our family, called with a stunning tip. The Vice President might come to the stadium.
It sounded far fetched. The Secret Service does not just drop into a ballgame. Still, we made one call to the clubhouse. If Bush showed up, give him a Denver Bears uniform and a first baseman’s glove. Then we got back to work and waited.
In the fourth inning the center field gate opened. A silver van rolled along the warning track. Out stepped George H.W. Bush in full Denver Bears gear.
The Vice President takes first base
The place exploded. He did not wave and leave. He took first base and got right to it.
That inning Tony Oliva ripped a line drive down the line. Bush made a hard stop and the crowd went crazy. You could almost feel the Secret Service hold its breath. Next, he came to the plate against Warren Spahn. He popped a foul that fell untouched, then lined a clean single. The stadium lost it.
Later he mailed a signed photo in uniform. The note thanked us for the chance to play and said he loved being a Denver Bear for two innings. It was simple and sincere.
Why this story still hits today
It is more than trivia. For one night the Vice President was just another ballplayer. No podium. No script. Sports can do that. They break walls and pull people together.
The moment also kept a spotlight on Denver. It showed a baseball town with energy, fans, and a story the nation would repeat. Moments like this helped build the case for big league baseball in the city.
An unexpected sequel years later
Years after that night, while we were running a senior PGA event in Florida, the Secret Service called again. George H.W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush wanted to drop by and see Ben Crenshaw.
Agents swept every cart, closet, and entry. Then we rode out to meet Ben. On the way the former president and I talked about Denver. He remembered the line drive. He remembered the single. He remembered the roar. When Ben reached us and saw who waited, he was overwhelmed. It was a quick visit, then back to golf, but the emotion of it stuck with everyone there.
It was a quick visit, then back to golf, but the emotion of it stuck with everyone there.
Takeaways for fans and teams
Plan the big promotions. Stay ready for surprises. Give people a story worth sharing. That is how a minor league night becomes city folklore. It is also how a market proves it can support more.
I love telling these behind the scenes stories because they connect fans with moments stats cannot capture. If you want help shaping sports stories that stick, send me an email. I’d love to hear from you
Frequently Asked Questions
Did George H.W. Bush really play on the field?
Yes. He put on a Denver Bears uniform, played first base, and got a hit. The crowd went wild.
Was Bush a legit baseball player?
He captained Yale baseball and stayed in good shape. His quick stop at first and the line drive single showed his skills were still there.
Why was he in Denver that night?
He was in town while a special baseball event brought many legends together. The visit to the park came together fast once he connected with old pros.
Did this help Denver’s MLB push?
It was not the only reason, but moments like this drew national eyes and proved Denver’s passion. That kind of buzz matters when a city chases the big leagues.
