You'll never guess which Angels player had dinner with President Bush at the White House on Monday night, while AL Manager of the Year Mike Scioscia, World Series MVP Troy Glaus and ALCS MVP Adam Kennedy were at the House of Blues in Anaheim for the world premiere of Major League Baseball's official 2002 World Series video: "Heaven in Seven."

Here's a hint: George W. and Laura's guest list for the informal dinner also included Mr. and Mrs. Curt Schilling, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Helton, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. George Will.

No, it wasn't Tim Salmon.

Nice try. Guess again.

No, it wasn't Troy Percival, Garret Anderson or Scott Spiezio, either.

Give up?

It was David Eckstein.

That's right, the littlest Angel has made the big time.

Eckstein was invited at the request of Will, the nationally syndicated political columnist and TV commentator, who became fascinated with the Angels shortstop's inspirational play during the 2002 season.

"Do you think it would be OK if I went?" Eckstein asked when Tim Mead, the Angels vice president for communications, told David about the invitation.

Priceless.

One other thing: Eckstein was allowed to bring a guest to dinner.

So he took his mom. Naturally.

After flying back to his home in Florida on Tuesday, Eckstein told the Angels he and his mother received a personal tour of the White House from the president and that there was only one topic of conversation during dinner: baseball. (No word on whether David offered to clear the table afterward.)

Eckstein, who recently returned from an all-star baseball tour in Japan, was not available for comment Tuesday. He told the Angels he was "too pooped" to do interviews. You know how little guys are. If they don't get their naps...