Child of 49 TES member plays tee ball at White House Published Sept. 11, 2008 By Airman Allison Boehm 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs WASHINGTON -- The son of a 53d Wing Airman was selected to play tee ball on the White House lawn Sept 7. Steven Beruvides, son of Lt. Col. Ricardo Beruvides, 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron Assistant Director of Operations, has been playing tee ball for two years and was selected for the special game. This tee ball game served as the 20th and final game of President George W. Bush's presidency. President Bush started "Tee Ball on the South Lawn" to help encourage fitness among America's youth and promote the national pastime. Six-year-old Steven participated in the tee ball game specifically for children of military personnel. He was one of five children from each branch of military service, totaling 26 children selected nationwide. Once the Beruvides family heard about the opportunity, they sent in an application which included information about Colonel Beruvides' military deployments and history. When Steven's mother received the acceptance letter she read it to her son, who jumped up and down screaming, "That is so cool! I get to go to the White House!" "He was very excited to hear he had been selected for the game, especially since it is for children of military personnel," said Colonel Beruvides. The day of the game, the players and their families met for a lunch and a tour where they received their uniforms. The players were split into teams: the Stripes and the Stars. The Stripes naturally wore red, while the Stars were in blue. Steven, a Stripe, also had the 49 TES patch sewn on his uniform. After lunch, it was time for the Stars and Stripes to take the field. President Bush arrived to watch the game with his family and Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, served as the Honorary Commissioner of the game. Country musicians, Rascal Flatts performed the National Anthem for the game. Each player got to bat once and play the field for one inning, said Colonel Beruvides. Steven, who played for the Stripes team, pitched and played second base. After the game, each player received a signed Presidential Seal baseball and certificate from President Bush. After scoring the only home run of the game, Steven summed up the day saying, "Dad, this was the best day of my life."