White House hosts Play Ball event during Easter Egg Roll

For the first time, Major League Baseball, in conjunction with its Play Ball initiative, was invited to the White House on Monday morning to participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that started in 1878. Upwards of 30,000 kids attended the event.

It was more than rolling brightly dyed hard-boiled eggs with spoons down the White House lawn to celebrate Easter Monday; there was a stadium set up on the grounds for kids to play baseball. The goal was to show kids how fun baseball can be.

“I think there are kids here from all walks of life who have never seen the game of baseball, and if we can put a bat in their hands, have them swing and run around the bases, they might fall in love with it right here and there,” said Play Ball Ambassador “Coach Ballgame” (real name is James Lowe).

The kids were given instructions on how to hit off a tee and a chance to play a Tee Ball game. By the looks on their faces, the kids had a blast on the diamond.

“What we are really excited is to expand the reach of the Play Ball initiative. We do these all spring, all summer long,” said David James, MLB’s vice president of baseball and softball development. “This is our first opportunity to join the White House to celebrate the Easter holiday. But, most importantly, make sure these kids and families have a lot of fun today.”

One child who had a blast on the diamond was 11-year-old Elise Johnson, who said she became a baseball fan after hitting the ball over the net for a home run.

“I had some fun and I have been playing some sports,” she said. “I’m excited to do some more activities.”

Tyson Bryan, 11, not only participated in the Egg Roll, but he also was able to get in a few swings in the batter’s box. He acknowledged that he didn’t hit the ball hard, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the game with his family in attendance.

“What is so special about this is I get to spend time with my nephew, who I don’t see as much, and I get to spend time with my sister,” Bryan said.

James pointed out that the White House, and specifically, first lady Jill Biden, have always been supportive of the efforts that MLB is making to grow the game.

“There is a lot of effort about physical activity for kids. We think that plays very well with the things that we -- the 30 Major League clubs and the Minor League clubs -- are already doing,” he said.