[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
[June 30, 2008]
[Pages 892-894]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at Opening Day of 2008 White House Tee-Ball
June 30, 2008

    The President. Menudo, thank you. Yes, we're glad you're here. 
Opening day 2008, tee-ball on the South Lawn. I'm proud to be joined by 
the commissioner for the day, Roberto 
Clemente, Jr. Bienvenido.
    Roberto Clemente, Jr. Gracias, 
gracias.
    The President. Si. Roberto, I 
don't know if you know this or not, but we've got a special right field 
porch this year. This is an addition--we might just call that Clemente 
porch. After all, we did retire your dad's number this year.
    Mr. Clemente. Thank you.

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    The President. I'm so proud to welcome, from Manati, Puerto Rico, 
the Little Angels. We're glad you're here; and from Camden, New Jersey, 
the mighty Red Sox; first base coach, Jose 
Rijo--he could deliver that fast ball in the best of times--now with the 
Washington Nationals. Third base coach, Carlos Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce; Carlos, glad you're here. 
Congressman Rob Andrews--Congressman, 
thanks for coming. We're sure proud you're here.
    Today we're very lucky to have our game called by Natalie 
Morales.
    Natalie Morales. Thank you.
    The President. Natalie, bienvenidos. Thank you for coming.
    Ms. Morales. Gracias.
    The President. Natalie happens to work 
for NBC's ``Today'' show. We really appreciate you coming.
    Ms. Morales. That's right. Thank you, 
sir, for having me.
    The President. No problem.
    Boy Scout Troop 457 from Rockville, Maryland, is with us today. 
Thanks for coming. Steve Keener, president 
of Little League America, we're glad you're here, Steve. Thanks for 
coming back. Appreciate you supporting baseball throughout America.
    Laura and I are thrilled also to be joined 
today by our first pitch kind of semi-thrower-outers. [Laughter] Angel 
Macias is with us. For those of you who follow 
Little League baseball, you might remember, in 1957, es verdad?
    Angel Macias. Right.
    The President. Si. He threw a perfect game 
for Monterrey, Mexico, in the Little League World Series, and Mexico 
went on to win the world series. And we're so glad you're here. Welcome 
to the White House.
    And standing with you is Jake T. Austin, 
who happens--who's going to be playing Angel in the movie----
    Jake T. Austin. Yes, I play Angel Macias 
in the movie.
    The President. And what's the movie?
    Mr. Austin. The movie is called ``The 
Perfect Game,'' and it's coming out in 2008, this year.
    The President. ----2008, yes. You probably recommend we all go see 
it.
    Mr. Austin. We'd greatly appreciate it. 
[Laughter]
    The President. Yes. Well, Laura was 
suggesting, Jake T., that we actually have a 
showing here at the White House.
    Mr. Austin. Great.
    The President. Yes, see, he's for that.
    Before we get started, I do want the players to join me in the 
Little League Pledge. Are you ready?

[At this point, the pledge was recited.]

    Play ball!

Note: The President spoke at 3:23 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to entertainers Menudo, who sang the 
national anthem; sports broadcaster Roberto Clemente, Jr.; and Jose 
Rijo, special assistant to the general manager, Washington Nationals. 
The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of these remarks.

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