MAY 2008
                                          
DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and the DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. Host 1st Annual Congressional Bank Baseball Classic
DC’s High Schools’ Finest Compete for the Championship

(Washington, DC) – On Saturday, May 31, 2008, the District will celebrate the first-ever, city-wide high school baseball championship game, “Congressional Bank Baseball Classic,” at the new Nationals Ballpark hosted by DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) and the DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc.  The event will recognize baseball achievement and accomplishments at DC schools as well as outstanding student academia.  It will also raise money for baseball programs, equipment and renovating high school baseball fields in the District.

Washington Nationals Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman will join Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray as honorary chairs of the Classic. In addition, Ryan will serve as a spokesperson for the event to help raise awareness of the games and the mission of supporting student athletes and building youth baseball in the District.  As part of this partnership, DC High School Baseball, Inc will use the promotional platforms for the Classic to help raise awareness for the ziMS Foundation, which is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis.

The Classic will play four games between area schools.  The day’s line up begins with a game between the two top private school teams.   That will be followed by the DC Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) East against the West Division champions, and finally an All-Star game will feature players from across the region. The tournament will end with the DC High School Baseball Classic Championship, where the DCIAA and private/parochial game winners will face off.

“I am looking forward to watching youth from all over the city play in this state-of-the-art ballpark,” said Mayor Fenty. “This event will be a great opportunity for our students to showcase their talent for their fans and for the viewing audience.”

The tournament will culminate in an evening celebration to award the championship trophy - The Modell’s
Cup - as well as announce each team’s Most Valuable Player. The All-Star Game and the championship game will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet.  The Urban Nation Hip-Hop Choir, No Label and the Showbiz Dancers will liven the stage with upbeat performances.

The Classic’s primary sponsors are Congressional Bank, Modell’s Sporting Goods, The Washington Post, Nike, Fannie Mae and Georgetown University Hospital. Event proceeds will benefit DCIAA activities, equipment, mentoring programs and the participating schools. In addition, college scouts and coaches will be invited.

“We are proud to team with Mayor Fenty, the City Council, Congressional Bank and DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. to present the first of many DCSEC-sponsored events at the new ballpark,” said Bill Hall, DCSEC Board Vice Chairman.  “This event provides an important community benefit return on the City’s baseball investment and gives the District’s finest high school baseball players the thrill of playing in a major league ballpark.”

“We are pleased to partner with the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission for this first annual Classic.  We all share a strong commitment to foster healthy youth development as we improve the exposure of one of America’s favorite pastimes.  We hope this Classic can be a motivational factor toward that goal,” added Henry Champ, DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. Chairman.

Promotion for the tournament will include an in-store campaign at Modell’s Sporting Goods, pro bono advertising in The Washington Post, public service announcements on Comcast Sportsnet and promotions at Nationals Park during the teams’ home games. A rain date has been set for June 1, in the event of inclement weather.

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