George W. Bush has always been comfortable on the ballfield, throwing out first pitches at many games—but his recent World Series opener raised a few eyebrows.

His daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, explained that the pitch bounced because Bush had undergone back surgery earlier this year. A spokesperson confirmed he had fusion surgery on his lower back but added that he’s reportedly recovering well.

Bush’s connection to baseball runs deep. He sold his Texas Rangers stake in 1998 before becoming president, yet he’s thrown ceremonial first pitches many times—including before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series, shortly after 9/11, when he wore a bulletproof vest. He’s also shared the mound with his father, George H.W. Bush, during the 2010 World Series in Texas and appeared at Game 5 in Houston in 2017.

Historically, presidents from William Howard Taft onward have thrown first pitches at World Series games—except Donald Trump and Joe Biden, though Trump did throw a ceremonial pitch before his presidency.