President George W. Bush stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of a tee ball game on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 27, 2007. Mr. Bush launched his White House Tee Ball Initiative in 2001 in recognition of the role baseball has played in American history, and its importance as a tool for fostering teamwork among America's youth.
President Bush, left, stands for the National Anthem with tee ball participants prior to the start of a tee ball game on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 27, 2007. The White House held it's first-ever softball tee ball game, honoring the contribution of women in the world of sports.
President Bush, second from left, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Michele Smith, left, greet a tee ball player after a game on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 27, 2007. To remember the big game, each player received a commemorative baseball. The president'slove of baseball dates back to his childhood and in 1989, he became a part-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise.
Dugout the mascot, left, readies the ball for Paige Dugan from the Bobcats from the Allegany County Little League of Cumberland, Md., to start the White House Tee Ball game, Wednesday, June 27, 2007, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C.
President Bush signs autographs following the White House Tee Ball game, Wednesday, June 27, 2007, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. CBS Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm was the announcer for the seventh annual event.
The Early Show's Hannah Storm does play-by-play of the White House Tee Ball Initiative. "The White House asked me to participate because of my career as one of the first female sportscasters, and this day was all about promoting girls and sports. I had a lot of fun with the tidbits about each player, including one little kid who said her favorite subject in school was 'dismissal!'," she said.
President Bush poses with children between innings of the White House Tee Ball game on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, June 27, 2007. Mr. Bush opened the big game by thanking the players and their families for joining him on the South Lawn. He also thanked Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm for calling the game's play-by-play.
President George W. Bush watches Tessla Muir of the Allegany Bobcats of Cumberland, Md., round the bases during a Little League tee ball game between the Bobcats and the Red Wings of Luray, Va., June 27, 2007, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C. Bush said he is very supportive of Title IX - the 1972 landmark decision that banned schools from discriminating against female athletes.
Arizona Wildcats' Taryne Mowatt coaches first base during the White House Tee Ball game, Wednesday, June 27, 2007, on the South Lawn of the White House. The Wildcats were honored at the White House earlier in the day for winning their second straight NCAA softball championship.