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Read the press release here.

Gracie Mansion Hosts Kids' Tee-Ball Tournament

By Tuan Nguyen | July 26, 2011 3:41pm

UPPER EAST SIDE — Gracie Mansion’s backyard was the site of a Tee-ball showdown Tuesday morning as teams of kids from across the five boroughs suited up at the mayor's mansion for the sixth annual Gracie Mansion Tournament.

Calling the yard “our own field of dreams," Mayor Bloomberg looked at the budding talent and said, “We may have the next Derek Jeter or Jose Reyes."

"Are we ready for some Tee-ball?" Bloomberg asked the kids, triggering cheers. "So am I, especially since we're doing it this week, and not last week, when it was 110 degrees."

Five teams participated in the round robin tournament, which had four 1-inning games.

“Let the kids have fun," said Tyrell Ingram, 27, coach for the Bronx's Co-op City team of 4- to 6-year-olds, which was chosen among five teams to represent the borough.

"It may be the first of many great things ahead," he said. "[It's] not every day we can come to the mayor’s backyard."

Roberto Clemente Jr., son of legendary Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente — the first Latino player to hit 3,000 hits —  was proud to see the kids playing Tee-ball.

"Thank you for Mr. Mayor for keeping ... this great sport in our lives and our communities." Clemente Jr. said, “Coming out of a baseball family, it is always a great impact in our lives to be able to become better citizens through this sport of baseball."