April 5, 2005

BARRY ZITO ANNOUNCES "Strikeouts For Troops" TO HELP OUR WOUNDED U.S. MILITARY

Oakland A's Pitcher Pledges Funds Through Season - Encourages Other Major League Baseball Pitchers to Provide Comforts of Home

BALTIMORE, MD. - April 5, 2005 - Barry Zito, opening day starter for the Oakland Athletics against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, today announced the establishment of "Strikeouts For Troops." The program provides funds for "comforts of home" and assists with family travel and housing expenses for U.S. Military being treated at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and other military hospitals. Zito will visit with the troops at Walter Reed this afternoon.

The 2002 Cy Young Award Winner, Zito will contribute $100.00 to 'Strikeouts For Troops' for every batter he strikes out during the 2005 season. He is inviting all other Major League Baseball pitchers to match his pledge as well.

"Many of our war wounded are recovering in hospitals far from home and family and 'Strikeouts For Troops' will help them to know we support and believe in them. We hope to make their stay in the hospital more comfortable, and show we all are grateful for their courage and sacrifice," said Zito. "These are the true heroes in uniform!"

This effort will be funded by contributions to the "Strikeouts For Troops Fund" at The Community Foundation For the National Capital Region. (www.cfncr.org). Freedom Alliance, a national non-profit organization, tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, will be the initial primary recipient of the funds.

Freedom Alliance will assist in the delivery of resources to the troops, so they may purchase clothing (some arrive with only the clothes on their back), meals, entertainment and other comforts of home, while they are recuperating from injuries. In addition, the program funds may be used to help with travel and lodging expenses of family members so they may visit and spend more time with their loved ones.

"We are very honored to have the support of Barry Zito and we look forward to both his performance on the field and as he meets and thanks our brave service members for what they have given to us fighting for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Tom Kilgannon, president, Freedom Alliance.

The program web site www.StrikeoutsForTroops.org will regularly track Zito's progress as well as that of other pitchers who may get involved and the corresponding dollar amounts pledged. A companion program for other position players is also being considered.