Bush’s Baseball Ambassadors

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DOLING OUT diplomatic posts is a time-honored way for presidents to repay political patrons. But by awarding ambassadorships to 19 Pioneers—supporters who raised at least $100,000 for his 2000 campaign—George W. Bush, a former co-owner of the Texas Rangers, has been in a league of his own. His choices include five big-league execs. Here, the baseball bunch. —Benjamin Leslie

For more on the Bush donor-diplomat team, see Bush’s Foreign Exchange.


Spain. 2001 – present.

$123,000

Former owner of Seattle Mariners.

No Spanish.


Switzerland 2001 – 2003. Called back to become Bush 2004 finance chair.

$373,173

Co-owner of Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.

No German or Italian. Only basic French. A.k.a. “Fundraiser-in-Chief.”

$415,830

Co-owner of St. Louis Cardinals.

No French. No Flemish.


Belgium. Four days in 2003.

$275,000

Co-owner of Texas Rangers.

Appointed, but never showed due to divorce proceedings.


Czech Republic. 2001 – 2003. Returned to fundraise for Bush 2004.

$60,500

Former co-owner of Texas Rangers. Married to Bush cousin, Dorothy.

Czech 101. Reportedly walked out and slammed door on Czech prime minister during Iraq war rift.

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