Here's what we know about DBacks-Rangers World Series first pitches and national anthems

The 2023 World Series was expected to bring a former U.S. president and A-list celebrities to signal the start of Game 1 between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers on Friday.

Here’s what we know about the first four national anthems and first pitches at both Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas and Chase Field in Phoenix.

Who is performing and throwing the first pitch at Games 1 and 2 in Texas?

The DBacks went to Arlington, Texas for Game 1 of the World Series, which will kick off with a ceremonial first pitch from the 43rd U.S. President.

George W. Bush was expected to take to the mound on Friday to deliver the first pitch to Ranger’s hall of famer, Iván “Pudge” Rodriguez. Bush previously threw out the first pitch at Game 3 of the 2001 World Series between the DBacks and the New York Yankees, just months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Bush is a former owner of the Rangers franchise. In 1989, team owner Eddie Chiles sold the Rangers to an investment group led by Bush for a reported $89 million. Bush had a small financial stake among the ownership team, but was named managing general partner. He left the Rangers when he was elected Texas governor in 1994, and sold his piece of the franchise four years later.

The other two times he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a World Series game were in 2010 when the Rangers faced the San Francisco Giants, and in 2017 when the Houston Astros took on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Major League Baseball announced that the national anthem will be performed by Grammy award-winning artist, H.E.R.

The Rangers planned to honor their history for Game 2 with their own four-time Major League All-Star, Adrián Beltré, to deliver the first pitch to fellow Ranger, Fergie Jenkins. Pearl Peterson, the 2023 Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Nation Youth Talent Performer, is scheduled to sing the national anthem at Game 2.

Who is performing and throwing the first pitch at Games 3 and 4 in Texas?

The Diamondbacks will return to Chase Field for Games 3 and 4 on Oct. 30-31, bringing the World Series to Arizona for the first time in 22 years.

A spokesperson for the DBacks told The Arizona Republic that the organization is still awaiting confirmation for potential first pitch throwers as of Friday afternoon.

MLB handles all national anthem planning for the World Series, and is expected to announce the performers for Games 3 and 4 by Sunday, according to MLB spokesperson Steven Arocho.

The DBacks have seen past first pitches from the likes of Arizona’s own Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald and WNBA points leader Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What we know about 2023 World Series first pitches, national anthems