How Baseball and the Yankees Helped New York Heal Post 9/11 | President Bush First Pitch

GAME 3

ESPN Films’ "30 for 30," takes you inside the Yankees’ historic run and how important Bush’s ceremonial first pitch was to a hurting nation. The short film, “First Pitch,” features behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from President Bush, Jeter, Condoleezza Rice, Joe Torre, Rudy Giuliani, Billy Crystal and others that led up to the historic moment.

"I think it came out of a very honest conversation about what this time was like for [Bush] and how he felt in this particular moment. A lot of things coalesced into this simple act, and I think that's what comes through in the film," the film's director and two-time Oscar winner Angus Wall told ABC News.

With America focused on baseball yet again and letting the thrill of the game replace the pit of despair left from the vicious attacks, President Bush knew what he had to do, and more importantly, where it would mean the most.

It was Oct. 30, 2001, and Yankee Stadium was packed for Game 3 of the World Series, just 49 days after the terror attacks and a few miles from Ground Zero. The high anxiety at Yankee Stadium was only matched by the security at the ballpark in the Bronx.

“I have to go through two metal detectors and be frisked to go to a baseball game now. Alright, if that’s what it takes I’m going to my game,” Crystal said.

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