Leading Off

InauguralBall
President George W. Bush, the former owner of the Rangers, threw out theceremonial first pitch on Monday at the Reds' traditional home opener. Bush'sdelivery was sharper than many thrown by the Cincinnati pitchers, who gave up10 earned runs in a 16-7 loss to the Cubs.

A Wie BitShort
At the Kraft Nabisco championship in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Michelle Wie teedoff on the 2nd hole last Saturday in search of her first pro title. On Sundaythe 16-year-old would claim the lead from Lorena Ochoa (far right) for onehole, but Karrie Webb (middle), with an eagle on 18, took a two-stroke edgeinto the clubhouse. On the first playoff hole Webb defeated Ochoa to win herseventh major, celebrating with the customary plunge into water alongside the18th green (inset).

Taking theFifth
Barbaro, with Edgar Prado aboard (in green and blue), charged to a half-lengthvictory over Sharp Humor last Saturday in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.In winning for the fifth time in five starts, the 3-year-old Barbaro announcedhimself as one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

> For more Leading Off pictures, go to SI.com/photos.

TWO PHOTOS

Photographs by David Bergman

TWO PHOTOS

Photographs by Robert Beck

PHOTO

Photograph by Heinz Kluetmeier

PHOTO

GARY ROTHSTEIN/ICON SMI