Did you know about Presidents and baseball...

When President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch at the 2001 World Series, the moment not only continued a Presidential tradition, but it symbolized America's desire to continue life undeterred after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

President George W. Bush's love of baseball began during his childhood in Midland, Texas, where he played Little League Baseball and dreamed of following in the footsteps of baseball great, Willie Mays. President Bush's love of the game continued. Before serving as President of the United States and Governor of Texas, President Bush was a managing partner for the Major League Baseball Team, the Texas Rangers. President Bush's life-long affection for the game led him to open the South Lawn of the White House to t-ball players in the Spring of 2001. The White House t-ball tradition is continuing this spring as children learn the great lessons of team sports: following the rules, respecting other players, and supporting teammates.

From throwing to catching and fielding to batting, America's Presidents have long enjoyed playing or watching a good game of baseball. A soldier's diary reveals that George Washington and his men played an early version of baseball called "rounders" on the fields of Valley Forge. History records that John Adams played bat and ball and Andrew Jackson played a similar game of baseball called one old cat. Abraham Lincoln's love of the game was so well known that an 1860 political cartoon showed Lincoln and his opponents on a baseball diamond.

Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's successor, was so thrilled to be invited to see the first game played among teams from different states, that he gave his White House staff time off from work to go to the game. Johnson set up chairs for his staff along the first base line of the White Lot, an area located between the South Lawn of the White House and an incomplete Washington Monument that stood only 152 feet tall. Today, the area is called the Ellipse, and energetic federal staffers play softball games on the grounds each spring in the shadows of the towering, 555-foot Washington Monument.

Ulysses S. Grant was President when the National League was formed in 1876, but Benjamin Harrison became the first President to attend a major league game when he saw Cincinnati beat Washington 7-4 on June 6, 1892.

The 20th Century ushered in a Presidential and baseball tradition: throwing out the first ball. William Howard Taft was the first President to do the honors when he threw a ball from his seat in the stands to the Washington Senator's opening day pitcher, Walter Johnson, on April 14, 1910. Nearly all Presidents since Taft have followed this pitching tradition.

Woodrow Wilson turned a few heads when he brought Edith Gault to the World Series. The event was the first public appearance of the couple since announcing their engagement. The following spring, Wilson threw out the first pitch on opening day with Mrs. Wilson at his side.

Franklin Roosevelt made a significant decision when he encouraged Major League Baseball to continue playing ball during World War II. Roosevelt knew that continuing this popular past-time during wartime would boost the spirits of the American people.

Ronald Reagan so loved the game that he worked as a radio announcer for the Chicago Cubs. His success gave him the opportunity to go into acting, where he once played the part of a pitcher in the movie, The Winning Team.

From George Washington to George W. Bush, Presidents over the years have shown their love of the game and baseball has loved their highest-ranking fan.

Fun Baseball Facts:

border="0" alt="baseball sign">How does Barry Bonds hit the ball so far? It's science! When the bat hits the ball, the bat exchanges momentum with the ball and the ball takes off. The faster the bat is swung, the harder it hits the ball and the harder the bat hits the ball, the faster and further the ball goes. So if you want to hit like Barry, pump up those arm muscles and take some practice swings!

There are exactly 108 stitches on a baseball.

In 1974, girls started playing on Little League teams.

A major league pitcher can throw a baseball up to 95 miles an hour: which takes less than 1/2 second for the ball to cross the plate.

BASEBALL PARTY SUPPLIES

Baseball Allstar Party Supplies

Baseball Invitations
Score big with a variety of designs for the sports fan, or select a whimsical design

Complete collection of
Baseball and Sports Posters

Baseball Posters

Dugout
Norman Rockwell
Buy Dugout
Framed | Mounted

Barry Bonds - Determintion
Buy Barry Bonds - Determintion
Framed | Mounted

Texas Rangers - Double Trouble
Buy Texas Rangers - Double Trouble
Framed | Mounted

BASEBALL PARTY TREATS

Pink Lemonade Yogurt Pops

1 cup plan non-fat yogurt
4 tablespoons undiluted pink lemonade

Mix together and pour into frozen pop containers or paper cups with popsicle sticks.
Freeze and eat.
Makes 2-3 pops depending on size of container.

A Summer Delight

Sliced cake horizontally into 3 layers, place each layer on a plate. Spread lime sherbet on 1 cake layer, and freeze. Spread lemon sherbet on 1 cake layer, and freeze. Place lemon layer on top of lime layer, and top with remaining cake layer. Spread whipped topping on top and sides of cake. Freeze. Once completely frozen, wrap tightly in aluminum foil until ready to serve. Slice to serve. Serving size: 1 slice  Serves 12.

Decorate cake with Baseball Bat Candle Set

BASEBALL LINKS

Major League Baseball Kids Club
Little League Online
USA Baseball

Sports Parties

Baseball Party