Bush Says 'Play Tee Ball' for Last Time

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2008— -- President Bush hosted the 20th and last tee ball game of his term in office today on the White House South Lawn.

Today's tee-ball players, a special group of Little Leaguers, were children of active duty service personnel.

The 26 5- to 8-year-olds had an opportunity to hit the ball, run all the bases, and play the field.

Grammy award-winning country music artists Rascal Flatts performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the president told them, "Play ball."

Brian Kilmeade, co-host of "Fox & Friends" and Fox Sports broadcaster Tim McCarver called the game. They introduced each player and told of their favorite baseball player, favorite position or favorite snack.

The announcers did caution the kids that when they got to third base, they should listen to the coach, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Peter Pace, because he was a general.

At the end of the game, each player was presented with a ball by the president and former Bush advisor Karen Hughes, who had helped organize the original games.

The games were launched the first summer of the Bush administration in 2001 to encourage fitness among America's youth.

Over the last eight years, famous sports figure have been honorary commissioners including Frank Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr .