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E.V. tee-ball player headed to D.C.
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SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Aidan Twitty, 6, will be playing tee ball in an all-star game in July at the White House along with 50 other kids.
Thomas Boggan, Tribune
At 6 years old, Aidan Twitty already has a promising start in his baseball career. After just one season on his Gilbert tee-ball team, the youngster will play next month on an all-star team at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Aidan will represent Arizona and play alongside 50 other tee-ball players from each of the states and the District of Columbia to play in the first Tee Ball on the South Lawn All-Star Game on July 16.
He'll also meet and receive a signed baseball from President Bush, get a tour of the White House and have a picnic on the South Lawn.
Aidan's application, including his mom's 300-word essay, was chosen among hundreds of entries from throughout the country.
Jamie Twitty wrote that tee ball has helped her son with his learning disabilities because it's a predictable game. After every bat, the player advances to first base, regardless of where the ball lands.
"Tee ball has helped him feel like he's doing his part," said Twitty, a former Gilbert teacher who is taking a break to stay home with her three kids.
The family includes two girls, 20-month-old Kambell and 10-year-old Tylere. Their dad, Chad Twitty, works in public relations for a bank.
During the game at the White House, no score will be kept as the 51 players are divided into four teams that will play two games of one inning each. Every player will bat once and play on defense.
Aidan is a first-grader at Chaparral Elementary School in the Higley Unified School District. He plays on a co-ed team in the Gilbert American Little League.
Aidan said he likes batting the best, and although his team is called the Red Sox, his favorite team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. His favorite player is former Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez.
All expenses are paid for the Washington trip, including food, uniforms and equipment.
"It seems so surreal," said Twitty, who heard two weeks ago that her son was chosen. "What are the odds? It's so exciting and humbling. We were the lucky ones."
Aidan learned about the president and the White House in kindergarten. His mom said that although her son is excited, she doesn't think he understands the magnitude of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Aidan said he's most excited about being in an airplane.
Besides tee-ball, Aidan enjoys basketball, reading and dinosaurs.
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