Just call it the “C Dub-ya S.”
Former President George W. Bush will attend the opening game of the 2011 College World Series in its new home.
Bush, a former owner of the Texas Rangers, will throw out the first pitch of Saturday's opening game, which pits Vanderbilt against North Carolina at 1 p.m.
The former president also will attend a hospitality event sponsored by Mid-American Energy.
It will be a return trip to the mound for Bush — he threw out the first pitch of the 2001 series.
"George W. Bush remains beloved by the majority of Nebraskans," said Mark Fahleson, chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party. "He's a good, decent and honorable man. We're fortunate to have him here for the CWS."
Fahleson said the visit has been in the works for several months.
Bush's family connections to the CWS run deep. His father, former President George H.W. Bush, played in the 1947 and 1948 series as first baseman and captain of the Yale baseball team.
Gov. Dave Heineman and Mayor Jim Suttle also will attend the opening game, as will former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, who approved construction of the $131-million TD Ameritrade Park.
How the visit of the former president will impact traffic for the opening day was not immediately clear.
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