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![[img]](http://www.sportsrant.com/forums/vbmynews/viewthu.php?id=150604-163361) Jumping out of a plane was nice, but the highlight of former President George H.W. Bush’s 80th birthday weekend may have come in the home of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros.
Seriously, is there a better way to say "Happy Birthday" than with emcee Larry King?
From MLB.com, and for the record, we’ve had more Presidents named George Bush than the Astros have World Series rings:
Former President George Bush and his wife, Barbara, are regular visitors to Houston Astros games in April and May, prior to the couple`s annual trips to Maine, where they spend their summers.
So it was only fitting that Bush would ring in his 80th birthday on Saturday with a glitzy, star-studded bash at Minute Maid Park, home of his favorite baseball team.
While several world leaders and many of this country`s top recording artists were on the guest list, the sports community was also well-represented, including Rusty Staub, described by CBS Sports` Jim Nance as "our very first Astros legend," and Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Gary Carter.
Astros owner Drayton McLane presented Bush with an Astros jersey bearing Bush`s name and the number "41" on the back. A video tribute from the Astros included Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte wishing Bush a happy birthday. The entire team also got together to say, "Happy 80th birthday, 41."
The night began with these first words from emcee Larry King: "Go Astros. I`m thrilled to be here at Minute Maid Park."
The upcoming All-Star Game to be held at Minute Maid Park also received quite a bit of attention.
Nance said, "One month and one day from today, the All-Star Game with be right here. I can`t wait to see Roger Clemens on that mound right there when the game starts."
Replied King, "If you`re a real baseball fan, you know know he`s going to be pitching, and his catcher will be Mike Piazza of the New York Mets. It will be an interesting moment. I hope Mr. Piazza does not remove his mask."
Sports figures in attendance included tennis legends Chris Evert and Pete Sampras, former Houston Oiler Ray Childress, Houston Texans head coach Dom Capers and golf icon Greg Norman.
The birthday party began with a festive gathering of food, drink and live music on the lower concourse. Guests were then ushered to their seats and stood and cheered when the former and current President Bushes and their wives walked on stage to begin the main event.
A large stage spanning from third base to first housed two sets of seating areas that held the evening`s honored guests and performers. The entire Bush family was on hand, including the Bush`s five children. President George W. Bush represented his siblings with a speech honoring their father.
Comedian Dennis Miller kept the crowd of more than 5,000 laughing with his first impressions of the Bayou City.
"It`s nice to be here in Houston, because I don`t get enough humidity in my day-to-day job as a tour guide in the Amazon rain forest," Miller said. Later, he congratulated Bush on celebrating his 80th birthday: "It must make you really proud, as you made the long trek from Yale to y`all."
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