Ep 12. First Pitch

In 2001, President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch at Game 3 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, just six weeks after the devastating attacks on September 11th. The pitch, thrown from the mound with a perfect strike, was a symbol of resilience and unity to a country still reeling from tragedy. But what many people don't know is the story behind that iconic moment.

"First Pitch," an episode in the third season of ESPN's 30 for 30 Shorts series, explores the behind-the-scenes journey that led to President Bush's memorable pitch. The episode takes a deep dive into the planning and preparation involved, showcasing the extraordinary efforts of the Secret Service, the White House and Major League Baseball.

Through interviews with key players involved in the event, such as former Secret Service agent Nick Trotta and former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, the episode reveals how the decision to have President Bush throw out the first pitch was made and the logistical challenges involved in achieving the seemingly impossible task.

The episode recounts how Trotta and his team, tasked with ensuring the President's safety, worked tirelessly to secure Yankee Stadium and its surroundings, while simultaneously navigating heightened security measures and managing a sea of fans. Trotta describes the intense preparation involved, including conducting test pitches with the President, scouting out the stadium and surrounding areas for potential dangers, and building a tunnel for the President's entrance and exit. Despite facing countless obstacles and complications, Trotta and his team managed to create a secure and safe environment for the President's historic pitch.

The episode also delves into the personal significance of the pitch for President Bush. In interviews with his former press secretary, Ari Fleischer, and speechwriter, David Frum, we learn how the President viewed the pitch as a symbolic moment for the country. With the nation still in shock from the September 11th attacks, the President saw his pitch as a way to demonstrate the country's resilience and strength. The episode tells the emotional story of how the President and his team watched the game from an undisclosed location, anxiously monitoring every detail of the pitch, and how they ultimately felt a sense of pride and achievement when the President's pitch landed perfectly in the catcher's mitt.

"First Pitch" is a powerful and poignant reminder of the events that unfolded in the wake of the September 11th attacks and the resilience of the American people. It showcases the incredible efforts of those who worked behind the scenes to make this historic moment possible and highlights the important role that sports can play in times of national crisis. For sports fans and those passionate about American history alike, this episode is not to be missed.