MAY 2008
                                          
DC Sports and Entertainment Commission and the DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. Announce Final Teams and All Star Roster for 2008 Congressional Bank Baseball Classic
DC’s Finest High School Baseball Teams Compete for Championship

(Washington, DC) – The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission (DCSEC) and the DC High School Baseball Classic, Inc. announced that Maret, St. Albans, McKinley Technology and Wilson Senior High Schools will be the final four teams competing in the first annual Congressional Bank Baseball Classic which will be played on Saturday, May 31st at Nationals Park.  In addition, the All-Star and team rosters boast the top area athletes which are sure to be a draw for college and pro scouts.  Featured players include St. Albans’ Danny Hultzen, St. John’s College High School’s Scott Silverstein, and Wilson Senior High School’s Andrew Whitener who are each going to college on a baseball scholarship.  Whitener will attend Princeton this fall and is a US Presidential Scholar finalist.  The complete 2008 All-Star roster is attached.

“We are looking forward to this opportunity to showcase the District’s most talented high school baseball players in our major league ballpark,” said DCSEC Board Chairman Matthew D. Cutts. “We are sure that this event will achieve tremendous success and be an effective vehicle to raise money for the growth of youth baseball programs in the District.”

The All-Star rosters reflect the greatest cross section of schools ever assembled in the District. According to organizers, the teams have been constructed to build camaraderie and eliminate barriers between players and schools.

“As an important goal, we are promoting bridge building amongst the kids, as ball players, as students and as young adults.  In order to rebuild the youth/high school baseball programs at all the schools across town, one has to build awareness and promote relationships and friendships," explains Jack Koczela, event organizer.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray and Washington Nationals Third Baseman Ryan Zimmerman are serving as honorary chairs of the Classic.  

The day kicks off at 9:30 am between the two top private school teams, Maret and St. Albans, followed by a semi-final game between the leading public school teams, McKinley and Wilson. Then at 3:30 pm, it’s the All-Star game ending with the championship at 7:00 pm where the DCIAA and private/parochial game winners face off.  The tournament culminates in a celebration to award the championship trophy--the Modell's Cup.  The All-Star and championship games will be broadcast live on ComcastSportsNet.  The Urban Nation Hip-Hop Choir, No Label and the Showbiz Dancers will liven the stage with upbeat performances. 

Tickets and transportation are free for school-aged youth and adults accompanying youth groups as chaperones will be admitted free.  For other adults, the ticket price is only $5 in advance and at the gate.  Tickets can be purchased at all area Congressional Bank branches and Modell's stores. 

The Classic’s 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 mentorship.  The event will also generate resources to support DC based youth programs and highlight the recent successes of the DC Public School System, its teachers and students.

The Classic’s primary sponsors are Congressional Bank, Modell’s Sporting Goods, The Washington Post, Nike, Fannie Mae and Georgetown University Hospital. In addition, college scouts and coaches will be invited.

A rain date has been set for June 1, in the event of inclement weather.

ALL STAR ROSTER

About DC Sports and Entertainment Commission

The DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, an independent agency of the District of Columbia government, oversaw the successful construction of the new Nationals Park and is responsible for the management and operation of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the D.C. Armory and their adjacent facilities.  The Commission is also charged with presenting and promoting sports, entertainment and special events.