#tee-ball

A Tee Ball player celebrates during a game on the South Lawn of the White House, 7/15/2007.

Series: Photographs Related to the George W. Bush Administration, 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009

Collection: Records of the White House Photo Office (George W. Bush Administration), 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009

Three Little League Players Dive for the Ball on the South Lawn During the Opening Game of the 2006 Tee Ball Season, 6/23/2006

Series: Photographs Related to the George W. Bush Administration, 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009

Collection: Records of the White House Photo Office (George W. Bush Administration), 1/20/2001 - 1/20/2009

Dang that kid's got confidence. That's not all, I was wondering how my teammates in grade school were so darn good. Watching kids play would've been helpful.

I'm not kidding o signed up for volleyball not knowing what it was. That's until I turned on the TV and began watching Stanford players play. Guess I was a learn by example girl.

The things I wish I asked my softball coach are about my batting.

> What do they mean by "follow through" with the swings? I hit the ball it only doesn't fly like the others.

> Can I swing from the other side? I feel like I'll have better luck there. (My parents didn't play sports; I mostly learned from books & TV.)

Dad was happily surprised when he was showing to see one of my volleyball games. He got to see me slide to bump and save a ball. It's also the instant drop he couldn't believe.

The fun question was: How I learned to play?

Me: Practices, books, and TV. I'm trying to get into a real nice high school when I'm older.

(I'm thinking that growing up too early might ruin personal enjoyment for many.)

-- dnagirl

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Gus's team played in an end-of-the-season tournament. They won on Saturday (in a game we didn't go to because Gus chose the party instead), but lost tonight. It was more fun to watch when they actual kept up with outs and runs and strikes. I wish they had been doing that all year.

But the thing I want to say about tonight was how disappointed I was in myself as I watched Gus strike out in each of his three at-bats -- they didn't hit off the tee tonight -- and hang his head on his walk back to the dugout. He was also playing in the dirt at shallow left-center as the ball was hit right to him -- he had no idea. I should have worked with him more. I should have explained the concept of the game better. I should have taken him to a Traveler's game or something. We're so busy and trying to do anything more than simply survive feels too ambitious right now, but still, I feel like I let my son down. I could have been better. And I'm sorry.

If neither of you ever play baseball, it's okay, but I promise to do better in giving you the know-how you need to succeed, or at least enjoy being out there. I promise.

Dad.