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MHS grad keeps fans fired up at Dragons games

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Donald Bush (right), a Middletown native and entertainer with the Dayton Dragons’ Green Team, gets the crowd cheering for Heater and the boys during a tug-of-war between innings of the Aug. 30 Dragons game at Fifth Third Field in Dayton.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Donald Bush (right), a Middletown native and entertainer with the Dayton Dragons’ Green Team, gets the crowd cheering for Heater and the boys during a tug-of-war between innings of the Aug. 30 Dragons game at Fifth Third Field in Dayton.

By Rick McCrabb, Columnist Updated 7:01 AM Thursday, September 10, 2009

DAYTON — Donald Bush remembers watching his mother operate the family’s produce stand on Yankee Road in Middletown. And what he remembers most is the compassion she showed her customers.

On one steamy summer afternoon — nearly 40 years ago — a woman asked Nora Bush for 3 pounds of green beans, which, at the time, cost $1.

When the woman paid, Nora put another handful of beans in the bag, for free.

Donald asked Mom why.

“Did you see all those kids in the station wagon?” she asked her young son. “Three pounds of beans weren’t enough to feed those kids.”

That’s a life lesson Donald Bush, 47, has carried into adulthood.

Inspired by Carel Cosby, the late principal at Oneida Elementary School, Bush tutored students when he was in the fifth grade.

He later participated in the Junior Achievement of Middletown area and now serves as employee advocate for the Goodwill Easter Seals of Miami Valley.

His career is — and always has been — about “elevating families,” he said.

Then at night — when the Dayton Dragons, the Cincinnati Reds’ Class A affiliate, plays at Fifth Third Field — Bush removes his serious side like handcuffs and changes personalities.

He recently completed his third season as the Dragons’ on-field entertainer. Between innings, Bush and his co-host, Madison Taylor, emcee skits that usually include the team’s mascots, Heater and Gem, and sometimes unsuspecting fans and even visiting players.

A microphone in Bush’s hands has more kick than a six-pack of Red Bull.

By day, he cares for kids.

By night, he puts smiles on their faces.

Being on the field — performing before sold-out crowds — gives “balance” to his life, he said.

For a 7 p.m. game, Bush arrives at the field two hours early, and when the game is over, he stands at an exit and thanks fans for attending.

That work ethic is a trademark of Minor League Baseball, especially in Dayton. The Dragons, he said, provide “unsurpassed customer service.”

One motto: “What can we do to make your experience more pleasant?”

Bush’s 1980 Middletown High School classmates must be surprised he landed in the sports industry. When he auditioned for the position, one of his friends suggested standing near the home dugout, the one along third-base side.

Bush’s response: “Are there two dugouts in baseball?”

You’re kidding right, Donald? You live in Dayton, one hour north of Cincinnati, the birthplace of baseball. Did you think the Reds and Red Sox shared the same dugout in the 1975 World Series?

He just smiled.

He now knows his way around the field and dugouts, too. During an impromptu tour, Bush knew the name of every employee and biological information on all the players.

He treats all players the same, regardless of their uniforms.

“He’s the perfect person for that job,” said Doug Boyd, president of Middletown JA, who still serves as Bush’s mentor.

In three seasons, Bush has missed two games, and only because friends sent him on vacation after his mother passed away.

“This is where I like to be,” he said.

Then he grabbed his microphone and headed toward the field. The kids in the seats needed more beans.

Contact this columnist at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.

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The thing about Donald is, he cares. Even if we are losing a game he still puts a smile on and delivers the best he can for the fans. The way Donald is during the games with his interactions with fans is him outside the gates of 5/3rd Field as well. Two words describe Donald, Class Act!

D-Man
3:59 PM, 9/16/2009

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Donald and Madison are great hosts in Dayton. Donald's excitement is infectious. The Dragons are one of the best in the business when it comes to entertainment. They only accept the best from their entertainment staff. It says a lot about Donald and Madison to have completed 3 seasons in a position with a generally high turnover rate. Great job Donald...and Madison. and Phil, whether it's 4 fans or 4000 fans, Donald would be at the gates because that's his personality and what the story is about

Gabriel Wilhelm
4:30 PM, 9/11/2009

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Donald is my uncle and has always been an inspiration to me. He has a mgical smile and a huge heart. He is the best person for the job. He is witty and awsome under pressure. I love his and enjoy attending the games! His mother , also my grandmother, was also ao inspiration.

Angel
5:19 PM, 9/10/2009

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I dont go b/c I dont want to be hit by pitchers throwing baseballs.

sammy
3:13 PM, 9/10/2009

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Phil and his ***...Not sure if you've ever been to a Dragons game but they've been a sellout since day one...so more than 4 fans a game.....

big burrito
3:01 PM, 9/10/2009

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