[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
[July 16, 2008]
[Pages 1031-1032]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a White House Tee-Ball Game
July 16, 2008

    Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this historic occasion. The 
commissioner and I--that would be Frank 
Robinson, the Hall of Fame--[applause]--welcome you for the first all-
star game here on the South Lawn of the White House.
    We've got 50 players from 50 States, plus the District of Columbia, 
who have shown--come to show off their great baseball skills. And we're 
excited you're here. We welcome you; we welcome your families.
    We want to thank Kenny Chesney for lending 
his great talent. We're proud you're here, Kenny. Thanks for coming.
    I do want to welcome our 
baseball coaches 
today. We've got four fabulous coaches who've 
agreed to come: Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Famer--he's kind of pulling for 
the Cubs this year; John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves. Our second game 
coaches: from the Baltimore Orioles, Kevin Millar--he'll be--here he is; 
and finally, two-time All-Star, Rick Monday. There he is. Hi, Rick. 
Thanks for coming.
    I do want to welcome our announcers today, Mike and Mike. Yes, sir! Mike Golic 
and Mike Greenberg, we're proud you guys are here. We expect them to 
call a good game.

[[Page 1032]]

    I do want to say that a member of my Cabinet, Carlos 
Gutierrez, has joined us. Mr. Secretary, 
thank you for coming.
    And finally, Mr. Commissioner, we are so 
lucky to have Shelby Shayler with us today. 
She will be presenting you and I with the first ball, but not quite yet. 
Before we do, we're going to recite the Little League oath.
    Are the players ready? All right, here we go.

[At this point, the pledge was recited.]

    Play ball!

Note: The President spoke at 3:37 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to entertainer Kenny Chesney, who 
sang the national anthem; ESPN radio talk show hosts Mike Golic and Mike 
Greenberg; and Shelby Shayler, member, Naval Air Station Little League, 
Norfolk, VA.