West U. Little Leaguer Michael Juden, from the Tadpole Division, has been chosen to play on the White House Lawn, and joining him on the trip will be his parents, Michelle and Alex Juden, his older sister, 9-year-old sister Katharine and younger brother, 3-year-old Will.
Michael, 5, was one of 51 players from across the United States chosen to play in the South Lawn All-Star Game on July 16. A selection panel from Little League International reviewed hundreds of entries from around the country, which were accompanied by essays from the player’s coach, league president and teacher or principal.
Michael’s mother Michelle said she is not sure what it was about Michael that made him the choice – but she wouldn’t be surprised if it had something to do with the fact that her 5-year-old is always smiling. Letters of recommendation from his teacher and coaches were also appreciated, she said.
“He just loves baseball, and he smiles the whole time,” said Michelle. “He smiles when he is batting, smiles in the outfield.”
And that is what she told him to do in July, when the family meets the president and Michael plays in the ceremonial games.
“I just told him to have fun,” said Michelle. She said she isn’t sure if he realizes how special it is that he was chosen, but she is planning on taking plenty of photos so when he gets older, he can look back and remember the experience.
The players will be divided into four teams that will play two games of one inning each. No score will be kept. Each player on the four teams will play on defense and bat once, followed by a picnic on the South Lawn for players and their families. A baseball autographed by President George W. Bush will be presented by the president to each player.
Michael, who will be a first-grader at West U. Elementary in August, said he is excited to go to “the president’s house.” He does have a question to ask the president – he is just not sure what it is yet. He said he is going to think about it before the trip.
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