Bush’s Baseball Ambassadors

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DOLING OUT diplomatic posts is a time-honored way for presidents to repay political patrons. But by awarding ambassadorships to 19 Pioneers—supporters who raised at least $100,000 for his 2000 campaign—George W. Bush, a former co-owner of the Texas Rangers, has been in a league of his own. His choices include five big-league execs. Here, the baseball bunch. —Benjamin Leslie

For more on the Bush donor-diplomat team, see Bush’s Foreign Exchange.

Pioneer Posting Service	Personal Donations to GOP in 2000	Baseball Affiliation	Diplomatic Distinctions
George Argyros Spain. 2001 – present.	$123,000	Former owner of Seattle Mariners.	No Spanish.
Mercer Reynolds III Switzerland 2001 – 2003. Called back to become Bush 2004 finance chair.	$373,173	Co-owner of Texas Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.	No German or Italian. Only basic French. A.k.a. “Fundraiser-in-Chief.”
Stephen Brauer Belgium, 2001 – 2003.	$415,830	Co-owner of St. Louis Cardinals.	No French. No Flemish.
Jeffrey Marcus Belgium. Four days in 2003.	$275,000	Co-owner of Texas Rangers.	Appointed, but never showed due to divorce proceedings.
Craig Stapleton Czech Republic. 2001 – 2003. Returned to fundraise for Bush 2004.	$60,500	Former co-owner of Texas Rangers. Married to Bush cousin, Dorothy.	Czech 101. Reportedly walked out and slammed door on Czech prime minister during Iraq war rift.