T-Ball on the South Lawn All-Star game on July 16th

     Hannah Milne, who played t-ball for JD Grocery this past year, recently got back from playing in the 1^st T-Ball on the South Lawn All-Star game on July 16^th.  A game in which one child from each state (including District of Columbia) was selected by the Little League International to represent their state.  Hannah was chosen as the representative for Maine.

     The process started when we found a link on this site. (www.buxtonlittleleague.org/) We filled out an application with the hopes of being chosen.  We had Michele Seal help us fill out the form, we got a letter of recommendation from Hannah’s Kindergarten teacher at Jack Memorial, Jennifer Dowler.   We sent this information to Little League International around the middle of May.  On June 6^th we received a communication from them saying that Hannah had been selected.  We were so excited!

     The day of the game was July 16^th.  We first met at the Marriott at the Metro Center in Washington and had a luncheon.  This is where we found out how the children would be split into teams which was by region, East, South, Central and West.  Hannah of course was on the East team.  This is also where Hannah met her coaches (representatives from Little League International).  We (players and families) then walked 4 blocks down to the White House.  We went thru security and were given a tour of the East Wing of the White House, it was an incredible experience.  After the tour, we went out to the field they had constructed with 6 sets of bleachers.  Hannah then went with her team and coaches onto to the field.

     There were 2 games, East vs. Central and West vs. South.  Each child got to bat once and play in the field once.  Before the game started President Bush came out along with Frank Robinson to do the opening ceremonies.  Kenny Chesney sang the national anthem and the game was on.  The game was announced by Mike Greenberg & Mike Golic of the Mike and Mike morning show on ESPN.  Hannah came to bat and got a hit with her first swing.  She then continued around the bases, meeting Ryne Sandberg (Hall of Famer formerly of the Chicago Cubs) who was the honorary 1^st base coach and then at 3^rd, gave a high five to John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves (honorary 3^rd base coach).  The base coaches of the other game were Kevin Millar and Rick Monday.  Hannah then got to play in the field, even though she did not make any plays, she had a great time interacting with her teammates. (she did win a game of rock, paper, scissors to see who got to play right field).

     Once both games were over, President Bush and Frank Robinson came out and each player was called forward to get a signed baseball from the president as well as a picture with the President and Frank Robinson.  Following was a picnic on the South Lawn which included hot dogs, juice, soda and chips.  Hannah lost a tooth taking her first bite of hot dog, certainly a lost tooth she’ll never forget!  Hannah received a signed certificate from the president recognizing her participation in the game.  Each child received a set of baseball cards with their own pictures on them which they were able to trade with other players who were there.  Hannah made sure she traded with all the members on her Eastern team.  All 51 cards were matted and framed and presented to the President as a gift.  Hannah also received baseball cards with pictures of President Bush and Nolan Ryan from their Little League days. 

     This day was truly a once in a lifetime experience that Hannah, my wife, my youngest daughter Faith and myself will never forget.  This wasn’t something that we could have done alone.  We want to thank Little League International, the White House and all the sponsors that put on the game.  A huge thank you goes to Jennifer Dowler for her wonderful recommendation letter.  Special thanks to those that helped sponsor our trip, Lauzon Photo, Wight’s Sporting Goods, Wayne Joy’s Motor Car Co. and of course the Buxton Little League, who without all their help, this trip wouldn’t have been possible.   We want to specifically thank Michele Seal, Jen Gammon, and the Board who were incredibly supportive with the application process and fundraising.   Thanks again to everyone! 

Sincerely,

Chris, Jen, Hannah & Faith Milne

**For those that want to read more about the official announcement: (http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2008stories/teeballallstars_playerschosen_08.htm)

 and the game itself, you can find it out at http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2008stories/Tbosl_All-Star_Game_wrap-up.htm.

  A video of the game can also be found at www.whitehouse.gov/kids and select All Star Tee Ball Game Video under July 2008.