Obama: `I want to loosen up my arm'
By Associated Press
Jul 14, 2009 10:59 AM CDT
President Barack Obama, right, smiles as he listens to a question from the media with Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands in The Oval Office of The White House in Washington Tuesday, July 14, 2009.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)   (Associated Press)

So, President Barack Obama, you ready to throw out that first pitch at the All-Star Game?

Not quite yet.

"Well, I think it's fair to say that I want to loosen up my arm a little bit," Obama said in the Oval Office when asked if he planned to practice.

The president will take the mound Tuesday night in St. Louis for baseball's signature summer moment.

Clearly, Obama is aware of what he wants to avoid: bouncing the ball to home plate.

He recalled his strategy when, as a U.S. senator, he threw the ceremonial first pitch during Game 2 of the 2005 American League Championship Series.

"I just wanted to keep it high," Obama said. He said his pitch wasn't too fast that night, but "did clear the plate."