Former President George W. Bush will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Texas Rangers play the Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series opener Friday night.

This will be Bush's fourth World Series ceremonial first pitch, but his first before an opener.

Bush, 77, headed the group that bought the Rangers in 1988 and was general partner through November 1994, when he stepped down as he prepared to become Texas governor.

Rangers Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez will be behind the plate for Bush's pitch.