It has been 20 years since the September 11th attacks. Some days it feels like 20 years, but with the recent embarrassing withdrawal from Afghanistan, it feels like a fresh wound. Let’s think back to some of the heartwarming and patriotic moments that came after those savage attacks.
For me, the first one that comes to mind is President George W. Bush’s first pitch during Game 3 of the 2001 World Series between the Yankees and the Diamondbacks.
Barely a month and a half after the attacks, the rubble was still smoldering, and people wondered if we should even have sporting events at a time like this.
But this is America, and nothing unites (and divides us) like sports. This moment still gives me goosebumps:
President Bush Pitches A Strike
There’s so much to love about this moment. The energy in the crowd, our President, standing resolute, and of course the President hurling a beautiful sinker right down the middle for a strike.
When the President threw the strike, you’d have thought the Yankees had already won the World Series by the way the crowd went wild.
It should come as no surprise that President Bush, who loved baseball and at one time owned the Texas Rangers, was able to throw such an amazing first pitch.
And honestly, America really needed that strike. Had he gone wild or skipped it in the dirt, not only would Yankees fans boo him into oblivion but perhaps what little air still in America’s sails would have died.
A Simpler Time
I saw something online the other day about how 9/11 was our worst day, but 9/12 was our best. And I couldn’t agree more.
For a time after the attacks, I felt like we were truly united as a nation. Everyone proudly displayed an American flag, Americans put politics to the side, and we focused on loving and understanding one another.
It didn’t matter where you came from, who you voted for, where you worshiped. We were all Americans at that moment in time.
I miss that. I miss when you could get along with someone with whom you disagreed. Politics didn’t matter, just whether or not you were a good person with a good heart.
My best friend at the time, and still to this day, is a raving liberal.
Sure we chide each other for our beliefs, but I know he’s an honest man who disagrees with me on politics at the end of the day.
That used to be how America was before the mainstream media decided they could make more money pitting Americans against one another.
I hope this weekend we can get back to that. We can unite with each other, even briefly. All of us still live in the Greatest Country in the World, and it doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from. America is still the land of opportunity.
Other Notable First Pitches
Of course, there have been many other notable first pitches.
Some good
Some bizarre
and some just BAD
Do you have a favorite first pitch? Sound off in the comments below.