Bush, Martinez exchange autographed balls

Sat., Aug. 14, 2004

Associated Press

SEATTLE — President Bush and veteran Seattle Mariners designated hitter Edgar Martinez exchanged signed baseballs Friday as Bush arrived here for a fund-raiser.

“We talked about all the years I beat on the Rangers,” Martinez told reporters before the Mariners played the New York Yankees at Safeco Field.

Bush is a former managing partner of the Texas Rangers.

Mariners president Chuck Armstrong, who told Martinez that the president wanted to see him during this Seattle visit, accompanied the player to Boeing Field to greet Bush.

Martinez announced this week he would retire at season’s end after an 18-year career with the Seattle Mariners. He said the president congratulated him on his retirement.

Martinez refused to discuss his presidential preference.

“No politics!” he told reporters.

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Bush, Martinez exchange autographed balls

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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