By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A George Bush will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day, but it won't be the George Bush.

The Reds had invited President George W. Bush to help open Great American Ball Park at the first regular-season game Monday, but he will be in Philadelphia discussing homeland security, the White House said Friday.

His father, former President George Herbert Walker Bush, will throw out the first pitch at Great American, sources said Friday.

It'll be something of a return engagement for the elder Bush, who as vice president threw out the first pitch at the 1988 All-Star Game in Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium. New York Mets catcher Gary Carter almost missed his high, looping toss.

Bush, now 78, was elected president in 1988. He led America in the first Gulf War before losing his re-election bid to Bill Clinton in 1992.Both Bushes have a long history with Reds owner Carl Lindner, a frequent campaign contributor.

E-mail candrews@enquirer.com