SB Nation DC: All Posts by Kristen Hudak

Maryland Native And New England Patriots Cornerback Leigh Bodden Gives Back To Area Youth

2011-07-19T14:35:47Z

WASHINGTON, D.C - On Monday evening, NFL stars gathered at Lucky Strike in downtown Washington D.C. to bowl for a good cause. It marked the first fundraiser for New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden, who grew up in Prince George's County and attended Northwestern High School in Hyattsville.

Bodden's special guests included NFL stars Kyle Arrington, Darius Butler, Calais Campbell, Joshua Cribbs, Shawn Springs, Madieu Williams and George Wilson. Each celebrity bowled with a team of sponsors, with all proceeds benefiting the Leigh Bodden Foundation.

Participants could also bid on a wide array of sports memorabilia including a Bryce Harper autographed Sports Illustrated magazine, a tour of Yankee Stadium, John Riggins and Joe Theismann autographed helmets and several framed pieces of artwork.

"I just want to give this support back to the children of this community," Bodden said. "I was born and raised here, so I just want to give back. I want to inspire and be a good personal role model to these kids and really tell them that they can persevere over anything."

Playing at Northwestern and later at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Bodden's believes that his opportunities for exposure were somewhat limited. He relied on confidence and hard work to earn his way to the NFL, a process he hopes will inspire children in his local community.

"A lot of people told me that I couldn't make it to where I'm at today and I've been in the league for nine years. Kids are told no and a lot of kids believe that. I just want to give them hope and a belief that they can achieve success with a lot of hard work and confidence," he continued.

At the event, Bodden presented generous scholarships to local student athletes who plan to attend college in the fall. Several award recipients were graduates of Bodden's alma mater, Northwestern.

Of course, no event that draws nearly a dozen NFL players together would pass without some discussion about a potential conclusion to the ongoing lockout. George Wilson, a player representative for the Buffalo Bills, mentioned that he'll be attending a meeting in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the situation with other representatives.

"We'll get a true perspective of where we are, how close we are and how far apart we may be," said Wilson. "With us being almost four months into this lockout, it definitely feels good that we've made enough progress to be able to try to get something done so that the start of training camp won't be affected and ultimately, we can try to recover from the damage that has been done to the game of football."

Wilson discussed the status of the soon-to-be-ending NFL lockout with local media. That transcript is below.

Q: We've been hearing this will be done in the next couple of days.

A: Well, I won't get ahead of myself ... but each of the teams will be getting together in D.C. on Wednesday. Once we get together on Wednesday, we'll get the season information in front of us, talk about it and maybe get some perspective of where we are.

Q: So the Union is calling for this meeting on Wednesday?

A: Yes, we have this meeting set for Wednesday to see what the proposal may be, what it's really comprised of. I don't know if it's everything, but it's a few items, and once we get together on Wednesday, we'll get a true perspective of where we are.

Q: So then what?

A: We'll talk about it there at the office, and depending on how close we are and what we think of the proposal, it could possibly be put to a vote. I'm not real sure how fast it would be, but for us to be coming together, I think we really have enough progress to talk about it then and to meet together in person.

Q: How do you feel about the whole process at this point?

A: It's been a long road. It's something we've been preparing for for two years. With us being almost four months into this lockout, it definitely feels good that we've made enough progress to be able to try to get something done so that the start of training camp won't be affected and ultimately, we can try to recover from the damage that has been done to the game of football. Ultimately, with us not being in the offseason program and with us not being with our coaches having meetings and OTAs, we have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time. So I'm happy to be back around the guys, hopefully, and get back to the business of football and come to an agreement.

Q: And it seems like you all stayed together in this.

A: Yeah, I had no doubt in my mind that we'd stay together during this. Like I said, we had the opportunity to get information out to our guys and educate our guys on the issues, what to expect. We had financial funds in place to help our guys through the hardships, the offseason. So I think we took all the proper steps and measures to have those measures in place to not put our guys in a tough position, because normally you have guys speaking out against the NFLPA and the issues because of the financial despair. But with us having those programs in place and able to get the information out there in a timely manner, we were able to minimize that and help our guys stay together.

Q: Are you happy to have all this out of the way soon and hopefully get back to playing fooball?

A: Definitely. I think that's everybody's desire. From the fans', players' and coaches' perspective, it's definitely been something that's been a long time coming. Like I said, we expected this to go on for a long time, but ultimately if we can get back in training camp, get around the guys and get back to what we love to do, I think everybody will be happy.

Q: As a rep, do you have a handle of how free agency will be handled this year?

A: That's the tough part. That's one of the main issues. I'm interested in seeing what lies in that proposal. With free agency, the past couple of years, with us being in an uncapped year, it's been at six years. Hopefully it remains what it's been in the past, which is four years. If that's the case, there are going to be roughly 500 guys seeking employment once this agreement is in place. Ultimately, it's going to have to happen in a short amount of time, a lot less time than what's they're accustomed to having with their team. Another big issue is what the salary cap is going to be, which is going to give teams the flexibility to go out and sign multiple guys that they had from their roster last year, as well as guys who they have the ability to sign from other teams, unrestricted free agents this year. Based on the time and years of service required to be a restricted free agent is going to play a big part, as well as what the salary cap is.

Q: What about rookies?

A: I'm sure there's going to be a new rookie wage scale in place as well in this new agreement. That's something I know the owners have been fighting for. What the details of that may be are still yet to be seen. Ultimately, we as players want to see that if they are going to save money from their rookie pool, not having to pay those rookies as much, then that money has to be paid to proven veterans and also paid to the expansion of retired player benefits.

Q: What about length of season?

A: No doubt in my mind, the schedule will remain at 16 games. Eighteen games is not even an option that's on the table, because that puts in jeopardy the health and wellness of our players. Health and wellness is not a negotiable issue.

Q: That's something the owners want to do, right?

A: No, 18 games will not happen. I definitely do not believe 18 games will be in this next agreement.

Q: Nothing that you would agree to...

A: It's nothing that I would agree to and it's nothing that most of the reps that I've talked to would agree to either. Eighteen games would just be too taxing on our body, and two extra checks is not an equal exchange for the quality of life when our men are already fighting so hard to play a 20-game season, with the four preseason games we already play.

Congressional Baseball Game: Rookie Congressman Leads Democrats To 8-2 Victory At Nationals Park

2011-07-15T11:34:02Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - For one night, Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill set aside their political differences to participate in the 50th annual Congressional Baseball Game.

"This game is important because it's the one time a year that we get to gather and argue about things other than politics," Republican Connie Mack IV said. "It's one of my favorite nights of the year in D.C."

Mack is the great grandson of legendary professional baseball player, manager and owner Connie Mack. On Thursday evening, he played shortstop for the Republicans while wearing a vintage Philadelphia Athletics uniform.

"For me and my family, this feels like homecoming," Mack continued. "Baseball is in our blood. It's part of our tradition. For our country, it reminds us that in good times and in bad, baseball has always been there. It feeds a part of our soul."

Mack's words are true for the dozens of Congressmen who participated in the game. A mile removed from the stuffy suits and Halls of Congress, they turned into children again, if for just a few hours. Some took warm-up laps around the warning track. Others played catch with their children. Some even took infield grounders.

In the end, manager Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania led the Democrats to an 8-2 victory over the Republicans. The Democrats got on the board early, amassing a six-run lead over the first two innings. But ultimately, pitching led them to the victory.

The star pitcher and Democratic MVP was rookie Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana. Richmond played baseball at Morehouse College, not all that many years ago. On Thursday evening, he pitched a complete game, one hitter over the Republicans.

"Everywhere I walked in the Capitol, people said, 'Cedric we're depending on you,'" he said. "Fortunately, for six innings I pitched really good and then I squeaked my way through the last inning."

Richmond indeed pitched well. He struck out 13 batters and carried a no hitter into the sixth inning. Republican Steve Pearce of New Mexico drove a 0-2 fastball in the zone to deep left field to end the no-hit bid.

"I don't even know what I was thinking," Richmond said. "I got exactly what I deserved."

A crowd of nearly 8,000 watched Richmond's stunning performance. All proceeds from the event benefited the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.

"I just can't say enough about the Nationals," Richmond added. "For them to give us their ballpark in the second half of the season when they are competing, it just means a lot. They are a great organization with great ownership and as you can see, a great facility."

The Congressional Baseball Game dates back to 1909, though early games were sporadic. After a brief hiatus between 1957 and 1962, the game became an annual tradition. Games have been played at Griffith Stadium, RFK Stadium, Memorial Stadium in Baltimore and at Nationals Park.

Tickets Still Available For Annual Congressional Baseball Game

2011-07-12T20:23:18Z

On Thursday, members of Congress will meet at Nationals Park for the 50th annual Congressional Baseball Game. This year, GOP Manager Joe Barton (TX-6) will lead his roster of 40 Republicans against a squad of 21 Democrats led by Manager Mike Doyle (PA-14).

The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, and the seven-inning game will be officiated by umpires. After all, who can trust these two groups of partisan rivals to play fair?

"While our squad suffered losses in the last elections, I'm encouraged by the talent and enthusiasm that our newcomers have brought to the field," Manager Doyle (D) said.

Republicans lead the all-time series 38-34-1, though Democrats have won each of the last two contests.

"Our players have been working hard during our early morning practices to try to translate their
political victories into success on the diamond," Manager Barton (R) said.

General admission tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online or at the door. The gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the Washington Literacy Council and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. Last year's event raised over $150,000 for these charities.

Top Chef All-Star Mike Isabella Throws Out First Pitch At Washington Nationals Game

2011-07-03T13:48:30Z

On Saturday afternoon, the Nationals invited celebrity chef Mike Isabella to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a doubleheader with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fortunately for Isabella, the chef cooks better than he pitches. A two-time contestant on Bravo's Emmy award winning reality cooking show Top Chef, Isabella took a few practice throws and asked reliever Ryan Mattheus for a few tips.

"Don't put it in the dirt, that's my goal," Isabella said.

Unfortunately, the pitch sailed into the grass, bounced and then rolled to home plate. But Isabella took it all in stride. A lifelong baseball fan raised in New Jersey, Isabella rooted for the New York Yankees as a child. Now, Isabella lives and works in Washington D.C. and cheers for the hometown teams.

"I am a huge Capitals fan and I'm definitely a Nats fan. Having people like Pudge Rodriguez and Jayson Werth, those are some great guys to watch. Obviously, Pudge is one of the best catchers of all time," Isabella said.

Like the players he respects, Isabella is used to high pressure situations. His new restaurant Graffiato just opened near the Verizon Center in downtown D.C., and he survived countless timed cooking challenges and Quick Fire contests on Top Chef.

"Honestly, I felt pressure just walking down the hallway onto the field," Isabella said. "When all eyes are on you, that's when you feel pressure the most. That's when people make it or break it. In big competitions, whether it's in the kitchen or on the field, when all eyes are on you, you want to perform."

Graffiato serves small Italian plates and artisan pizzas. Isabella's bar and pizza oven stay open late into the night, so he hopes Nationals fans will make it their go to spot after home games.

"We're so excited," Isabella continued. "The support has been awesome from the city. I'm just so excited that I made the decision to open Graffiato in D.C. For me, I've always loved living in cities and D.C is the best one I've ever lived in."

Mike Isabella First Pitch

2011-07-02T22:17:35Z

Mike Isabella First Pitch

Isabella was the runner-up on Bravo's Top Chef All-Stars and recently opened a new restaurant, Graffiato, in Washington D.C. Raised a Yankees fan, Isabella considers himself a Nationals and Capitals fan.

Teammates support Zimmerman at annual fundraiser

2011-07-01T13:09:26Z

Despite their return to Washington in the early morning hours on Thursday morning and the rare scheduled off day that greeted them on the calendar, nearly the entire team joined third baseman Ryan Zimmerman at his second annual Night at the Park fundraiser.

The event, headlined by country star Rodney Atkins, raised money for the ziMS Foundation, Zimmernan's nonprofit organization dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

In fact, eighteen of Zimmerman's teammates attended the function, including Michael Morse, Danny Espinosa, Jayson Werth, Jason Marquis, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard, Todd Coffey, John Lannan, Adam LaRoche, Pudge Rodriguez, Sean Burnett, Roger Bernadina, Laynce Nix, Brian Bixler, Ryan Mattheus, Collin Balester, Jordan Zimmermann and Alex Cora.

"We have a very close-knit group," Zimmerman said. "We don't get too many off days. I think it shows you what kind of organization we have. As much as talent is important, I think good people are important too and we have a bunch of those on our team."

Nationals reliever Todd Coffey even participated in the live auction, winning a VIP trip to the Masters tournament in Augusta for $2,200.

"He's a teammate and a good friend," said reliever Sean Burnett. "He's a great person and a big part of this organization and this city. I know this hits home for him, so this is a special night."

"Everyone on the team respects him, so obviously we want to support him," added reliever Collin Balester.

Hundreds of guests enjoyed interacting with their favorite Nationals while bidding on unique sports memorabilia. Magician David Blaine entertained the VIP portion of the crowd while Gar Ryness, aka the Batting Stance Guy, served as an emcee for the event.

Country music star Rodney Atkins performed most of his hit singles including Farmer's Daughter, Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy), These Are My People, It's America and If You're Going Through Hell.

Both Atkins and Ryness committed to helping the ziMS Foundation in support of loved ones inflicted with the debilitating disease. Of course, Zimmerman was motivated to launch the foundation because his mother, Cheryl, suffers from MS.

"Obviously, the cause of MS is near and dear to my heart because of my mother, but we've met so many families and so many people that are affected by this disease. To be able to give back is very important," Zimmerman said.

(ed. note - "Kristen is a member of the Host Committee for the ziMS Foundation's second annual Night at the Park fundraiser.")

Ryan Zimmerman, Rodney Atkins Team Up To Fight MS At zIMS Foundation's 'A Night At The Park'

2011-07-01T12:40:10Z

WASHINGTON, D.C. - What do country star Rodney Atkins, All Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, reliever Collin Balester and "The Batting Stance Guy" have in common? Each one of them has a loved one that suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system.

Together, they made a difference on Thursday night at the second annual ziMS Foundation's Night at the Park fundraiser at Nationals Park. Zimmerman launched the ziMS Foundation in 2006 to help find a cure to MS. His mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed with the condition in 1995. In his most recent contract, he negotiated use of Nationals Park once each season for the philanthropic endeavors.

"Obviously, the cause of MS is near and dear to my heart because of my mother, but we've met so many families and so many people that are affected by this disease. To be able to give back is very important," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman was only eleven when his mother was diagnosed with the condition and part of his focus is on helping children of MS patients deal with the challenges he faced. He meets regularly with children of MS patients before home games, and one of the foundation's new beneficiaries is DreamMakers, an organization that provides resources and programs for children whose parents suffer from the disease.

Like Zimmerman, Gar Ryness (aka the Batting Stance Guy) has watched his mother suffer through the same condition. Ryness served as emcee for the event and treated those in attendance to impersonations of their favorite Nationals hitters.

Country star Rodney Atkins entertained the crowd for nearly an hour, performing his signature hits including Farmer's Daughter, Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy), These Are My People, It's America and If You're Going Through Hell. He dedicated his performance of Take a Back Road to his brother-in-law, who is also battling MS.

Eighteen of Zimmerman's teammates attended the event, including Michael Morse, Danny Espinosa, Jayson Werth, Jason Marquis, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard, Todd Coffey, John Lannan, Adam LaRoche, Ivan Rodriguez, Sean Burnett, Roger Bernadina, Laynce Nix, Brian Bixler, Ryan Mattheus, Collin Balester, Jordan Zimmermann and Alex Cora. Principal owner Mark Lerner and several members of the coaching staff were also in attendance.

"[Zimmerman] always does the right thing," Balester said. "He's a great person. Everyone on the team respects him, so obviously we want to support him. Also, my wife's father has MS. It's nice to be able to give back and support my teammate."

Nationals reliever Todd Coffey won a VIP trip to the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, GA for a generous $2,200 bid. Other notable items included a Grammy VIP experience, use of Zimmerman's suite at a Nationals game and a fighter pilot experience. All told, the live auction portion of the evening raised over $60,000 for the ziMS Foundation.

Photos are via Cheryl Nichols of Nats News Network.

Kristen is a member of the Host Committee for the ziMS Foundation's second annual Night at the Park fundraiser.

Tickets Still Available For Ryan Zimmerman’s Fundraiser

2011-06-29T21:08:54Z

Washington Nationals third baseman’s second annual "A Night at the Park" fundraiser will take place on Thursday evening at Nationals Park. The fundraiser benefits the ziMS Foundation, Zimmerman’s nonprofit organization dedicated to funding programs for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Last year’s event raised $200,000 for MS related treatment and research.

Tickets cost $75 for general admission and $500 for a VIP experience. Tickets can be purchased online at anightatthepark.com until Thursday afternoon. Walk-up tickets will also be available for purchase at Nationals Park. The doors are set to open at 6 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to bid on sports memorabilia and special experience packages including a meet and greet with Ryan Zimmerman and use of his suite for a Nationals game. In addition to live and silent auctions, country star Rodney Atkins will perform for the crowd beginning at 8:45 p.m.

The VIP tickets include dinner with Zimmerman and his teammates, entertainment by magician David Blaine and an open bar.

Zimmerman launched the ziMS Foundation in 2006 to find a cure to MS, a disease his mother has battled since 1995.

Kristen is a member of the Host Committee for the ziMS Foundation's second annual Night at the Park fundraiser.