For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 26, 2001
President Bush Speaks at Little League World Series
Remarks by the President at the Hall of Excellence Induction
Little League World Series
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
View the President's
Remarks
5:35 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Steve, thank you very
much. You know, years ago, when I was playing on those dusty
Little League fields in West Texas, I never dreamt I would be President
of the United States, and I can assure you I never dreamt I would be
admitted into the Little League Hall of Excellence. It's a high honor
to be here. (Applause.) It's a high honor for
Laura and me to be here. I want to thank you so very much
for your hospitality.
One of the things I did dream about,
though, was making it to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little
League World Series. (Applause.) And to all the teams that
got here, I want to offer my heartiest congratulations. I
particularly want to welcome the Japanese team and wish you all the
best. Welcome to America. (Applause.)
I must confess, I have a soft spot in my
heart for the Florida team. (Applause.) I know and like
your governor. (Laughter.)
But to all the teams that were here,
congratulations. There are a couple of words I want to say.
First, I want to say thanks to all the
moms and dads who participate in Little League all around the
world. (Applause.) Little League is a family
sport. I can remember my mother sitting behind the -- behind
the backstop in Midland, Texas, telling me what to
do. (Laughter.) She's still telling me what to
do. And my advice to all the players is, listen to your
mother. (Laughter and applause.)
- 2 -
But for all the moms and dads who take
special time out of their lives to make sure their kids are able to
play the great sport of baseball, thank you from the bottom of our
hearts. You prioritize your family and that's crucial for a
healthy world, to make sure our families remain strong. I
equate Little League baseball with good
families. (Applause.)
I want to thank all the coaches for
working with the kids. You're not only teaching the kids how
to throw and hit; you're teaching them incredibly important values, the
values of good, clean competition, the values of teamwork, the values
of working with somebody to win for something greater than yourself.
It's an honor to receive this award from
such a fabulous organization as Little League Baseball and, on behalf
of the presidency, thank you for what you do. May God bless
the teams who play here, may God bless the families represented here,
and may God bless the great United States of America. Thank
you very much. (Applause.)