WASHINGTON — 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 tonight 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."