Former President George H.W. Bush is introduced prior to throwing...

Former President George H.W. Bush is introduced prior to throwing the first patch at game three of the American League Division Series between the Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 11, 2015, in Houston. Credit: Getty Images / Eric Christian Smith

HOUSTON -- Former President George H.W. Bush, in a wheelchair and wearing a neck brace, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the American League Division Series between the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

The 91-year-old Bush, recovering after breaking a vertebra in his neck in a summer spill, smiled broadly when the crowd cheered after he was brought onto the field. With wife Barbara by his side, he bounced a short throw from about five feet in front of the plate to Houston's Jed Lowrie, who was set up to catch.

Bush is a longtime Astros fan with a home in Houston, and for years he attended dozens of games a year in seats just behind home plate.

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