April 23, 2009

2ND ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BANK BASEBALL CLASSIC TO BE HELD SATURDAY, MAY 30 AT NATIONALS PARK

Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman to serve as honorary chair; Congressional Bank Softball Classic added in Year 2

(Washington, DC) – The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission announced today that the Congressional Bank Baseball Classic will return to Nationals Park on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

High school baseball teams from D.C. public, private, parochial and charter schools will compete for the day’s ultimate prize - the Modell’s Cup. In addition, the top high school baseball players from programs around the city will play in the All-Star Game prior to the championship game. Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman serves as the Congressional Bank Baseball Classic’s honorary chair.

“We look forward to once again showcasing the top high school baseball teams and players in the District,” said Erik Moses, CEO of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission. “Last year’s event at Nationals Park was very well received by the city, players, coaches and fans. It’s a great opportunity to watch spirited competition in our state-of-the-art ballpark.”

This year’s schedule will again feature four games:

9:30 a.m.            WCAC/IAC/Charter Semifinal game
12:30 p.m.          DCIAA Semifinal game
3:30 p.m.            All-Star Game
6:30 p.m.            Congressional Bank Baseball Classic Championship Game

New additions this year include a “Fan Fest” on the Center Field concourse where attendees can enjoy music, activities, free clinics and special appearances from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Also new this year is the addition of the Congressional Bank Softball Classic at the Guy Mason Recreation Center on May 16, a showcase featuring D.C.’s top softball programs.

“We are honored to renew our commitment to D.C. schools and their student-athletes,” said John R. Lane, President and CEO of Congressional Bank. “It’s a true privilege to be an on-going part of the city’s business community and to serve its citizens and youth in a philanthropic way.”           

General admission tickets are $5 and available for purchase starting May 1 at all area Congressional Bank branches and Modell’s locations and at www.congressionalbankclassic.org. Tickets will also be on sale at Nationals Park on the day of the event. Groups can purchase tickets in advance by calling 202-237-2002.

The Congressional Bank Baseball Classic was created to use baseball as a platform to promote exemplary achievement of student-athletes and to generate resources to support D.C.-based youth baseball programs.

Fifteen middle and high school baseball coaches from the District participated in the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Coaches Clinic courtesy of the Congressional Bank Baseball Classic. The coaches participated in clinics performed by instructors from top collegiate and professional baseball organizations.

“It is our hope that by giving coaches access to knowledge and proven instructional techniques, we will create a ripple effect out into the baseball community and impact a greater number of kids,” said Henry Champ, an organizer of the Congressional Bank Baseball Classic. “It is wonderful to see the participation of coaches from across the city, all of whom are committed to their programs and development of young players.”

The inaugural Congressional Bank Baseball Classic was played at the newly opened Nationals Park on May 31, 2008. St. Albans School defeated Woodrow Wilson High School to win the first Modell’s Cup.

The Congressional Bank Baseball Classic is jointly organized by the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and The DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc.

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia Government, seeks to enrich the local community by attracting and hosting sports, entertainment and special events in Washington, D.C. while promoting the Nation’s Capital as a premier event destination. In addition, the mission of the organization is to support citywide community events and programs involving youth, amateur and professional sports. The DCSEC operates the Stadium-Armory campus which includes RFK Stadium, the DC Armory and the surrounding Festival Grounds and serves as the landlord of Nationals Park. For more information, please visit www.dcsec.com.

About Congressional Bank
Congressional Bank is a community bank serving business, professional, and non-profit customers in the Greater Washington area from branch offices in downtown Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Rockville, Potomac and Reston. The Bank team is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its customers and their accounts. For more information, visit www.congressionalbank.com.

About The DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc.
The DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. is a District of Columbia not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Our mission is to use baseball as a platform to promote exemplary achievement of student athletes by developing skills learned as part of an outstanding baseball program: leadership, teamwork, and commitment to excellence; to generate resources to support DC based youth baseball programs; to highlight the recent successes of the DC Public School system, its teachers, coaches and students. Donations are welcome and can be made to The DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. For more information, go to www.congressionalbankclassic.org.