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CNN Live Sunday

T-Ball, Hardball Today on the White House Lawn

Aired May 06, 2001 - 16:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: A day of political hardball and T-ball in Washington as the White House plays host to a children's little league game, and the administration hits the airwaves to push its missile defense shield. Washington is certainly famous for its battles, whether they happen in Congress, the Supreme Court or even the court of public opinion.

But today, the game was different, and so were the players. It's children's T-ball on the South Lawn of the White House. President Bush watch the action, and sportscaster Bob Costas provided the play- by-play.

For a live post-game report, we go to CNN's White House correspondent Kelly Wallace. Hi, Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, hi there, Donna. The first ever T-ball game played here at the South Lawn at the White House wrapped up just a short time ago; an event unlike any other we've really ever seen here at the White House.

As you can see, some of the kids behind me still rather excited, playing on this T-ball field, which was just built last week. The kids mingling with parents; some trying to shake hands with President Bush; also trying to talk with Bob Costas, the sportscaster who was doing some play-by-play.

Quite an exciting event. T-ballers range in the ages five to eight years old. There are no outs in T-ball, and there was only one inning played here on the South Lawn, so every batter had a chance to T-off at the tee at home plate.

Here's a portion of the action which took place a little bit ago; again, called by one of the best in the business, Bob Costas.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BOB COSTAS, COMMENTATOR: Here is the 0-1 offering. Oh, he powers one to right. Oh, what a catch. An incredible catch. A wicked line drive and an absolutely stunning catch.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And the Memphis Red Socks were wearing the blue jerseys, the Capital City Rockies in the red both; although both wearing the title on their jerseys, South Lawn Sluggers. Again, no outs here, and no one really keeping score. So, no winners and no losers.

Now, President Bush, a man who often tells children that he dreamed of becoming a major league star, not the president, opened things up here, reciting the Little League pledge to these little leaguers, and also giving them words of encouragement.

Here's what Mr. Bush said a short time ago.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I want to thank the coaches who are here: not only coaches who are here on the grounds, but coaches across America, who take time out of their busy schedules to help young men and woman understand the importance of teamwork and playing by the rules, and help young men and woman understand that baseball is a fabulous sport. So, on behalf of the president, thanks to all of coaches.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And after the game, Mr. Bush presented each player with a baseball autographed by the president and then the players and their families will be joining the president and the first lady for some hot dogs and hamburgers; a picnic being set up here on the South Lawn. This is being called the T-ball initiative. More grams expected to be played this month and other months over the summer.

Back to you, Donna.

KELLEY: Kelly, a fun afternoon at the White House. Thanks very much, Kelly Wallace.

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