White House Tee Ball on the South Lawn

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http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?storyid=50793 Playing in the president's yard Publish Date: 07/22/06 By Oland News-Post Staff Staff photo by Skip Lawrence Thurmont Civitan Challenger Little League Team member Graffam, 12, and her mother Fletcher share a happy moment at the Thurmont Little League ball field after hearing the announcement that the team is invited to the White House for the Tee Ball on the South Lawn event next week. THURMONT -- The tiny boy wearing the oversized baseball cap and wire-rimmed glasses did

not look at the walker he must use to get around. Instead, Robbie Shaffer sat still. He gazed out at the Thurmont Little League baseball diamond while a pack of rambunctious 11- and 12-year-olds ran the bases. Robbie, 13, suffers from cerebral palsy, the consequence of being born three-and-a-half months premature and weighing 1 pound, 9 ounces at delivery. His mother called him a miracle, but he still uses his skinny arms to push his walker or control his motorized wheelchair wherever he goes. The precious walker will be tested in the weeks ahead. Robbie has important places to go and famous people to meet. Robbie and his Thurmont Civitan Challenger Little League teammates were chosen to participate in a one-inning game of Tee Ball on the South Lawn at the White House at 2:45 p.m. July 30. President Bush is scheduled to attend and will present a game ball to each player, manager and coach. Hall of Famer Willie Mays will be the honorary commissioner and former Major Leaguers Dan and Al Leiter will serve as honorary coaches. The event was announced during a Friday morning press conference at Thurmont's Leisner Field, attended by the Frederick Civitan players and their many supporters, including parents, town commissioners and Little League administrators. Thurmont Civitan will

face the Shady Spring (W.Va.) Braves in the 15th game on the South Lawn of the White House since Mr. Bush began the initiative as a way to boost interest in baseball among children and parents. Every player on both teams will play defense and bat once in the game, which will be followed by a picnic for players and families. Overcoming difficulties Little League's Challenger Division is for mentally and physically disabled children, ages 5-18. It is Little League's fastest-growing division with more than 28,000 players. Some of the Thurmont Civitan players are wheelchair-bound. Others suffer from mental retardation. , and s, three brothers, struggle with autism. Robbie needs his walker to get from home plate to first base. But with the assistance of coach Fred Laliberte and a legion of loyal buddies, the Challenger players are able to play baseball and have fun. The Thurmont 11-12-year old Little Leaguers often assist the Challenger players during games by helping them swing bats and run the bases. Thurmont 11-12 manager Jeff Ellis said he did not require his players to volunteer, but they help anyway. Robbie is a loyal Little League fan. He attends Thurmont games and watches practices. For eight straight years, his parents have taken him to the Little League World Series in port, Pa. One year, Robbie received an autographed baseball from actor Costner. "He doesn't have a whole lot of interests," said his mother, Shaffer, "but he loves to watch ball." The Little Leaguers seem to appreciate him. Before departing Friday's press conference, Thurmont Little Leaguer Garrett Ellis gave him a high-five. Challenger coaches rewarded the loyalty of the 11-12 Little Leaguers by allowing them to serve as the Challenger "buddies" for the White House event. They will assist the Challenger players and will get to participate in the festivities. "We figured since they took the opportunity to volunteer and

help them out that they should go too," Ms. Shaffer said. "Besides, for the players it's more fun to have a buddy out there than a parent." This is the second consecutive year that local Challenger Little League players have gotten an opportunity to play in a high-profile event. In August, the Frederick Challenger Little Leaguers were featured in a special exhibition prior to the Little League World Series. Robbie was one of the players selected. When asked why he enjoyed the World Series experience, Robbie said it was because he got to play "on a special field." They don't get much more special than the White House South Lawn. "First the World Series, now the White House," said s, the mother of the three brothers with autism. "How are they going to be able to top this?"

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