June 10, 2005

Braves Tim Hudson and Nationals Chad Cordero Team Up with Barry Zito in Strikeouts For Troops to Help Wounded U.S. Military

Encourage Other Major League Baseball Players to Help Provide “Comforts of Home”

Oakland, CA June 10, 2005 -- Oakland A's pitcher Barry Zito, founder of Strikeouts For Troops, a national program that provides the comforts of home to service members who are being treated for their injuries at military hospitals, has been joined on the Strikeouts For Troops roster by Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and Washington Nationals pitcher Chad Cordero. Other players pitching for the Troops include Boston Red Sox Curt Schilling, Cleveland Indians CC Sabathia and Matt Miller and Oakland A's Joe Blanton.

"Many of our soldiers are recovering in hospitals far from home and family. Strikeouts For Troops lets them know we are thinking of them and are trying to make their stay in the hospital a little more comfortable," remarked Zito. "In addition, it shows them that we are grateful for their tremendous sacrifices."

“I’m thankful to Huddy and Chad for joining me in ‘Strikeouts For Troops’ to contribute for every batter that they strike out this season,” said Zito. “Both are great pitchers and tough competitors.”

Tim Hudson is in his seventh major league baseball season and his first with the Atlanta Braves. The right hander currently posts a mark of 6-4 with a 3.36 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 83 innings. He touts 947 career strikeouts in 1,323.2 innings.

“I admire what Barry is doing and if I can help out even in a small way, it’s truly an honor,” said Tim Hudson. “I respect the men and women serving our country around the world.”

Twenty-three year old Chad Cordero is in his second full season with the Nationals as the team's closer. He posts an impressive 27 strikeouts in 28 innings and is 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA. "It's truly an honor to help Barry with Strikeouts For Troops and I hope others will join us," said Cordero.

The effort is funded by contributions to the Strikeouts For Troops Fund at The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region (www.cfncr.org). Contributions will be distributed directly to the troops with help from Freedom Alliance, a national non-profit organization, tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code.

Strikeouts For Troops made their first formal announcement on April 5, 2005. The organization continues to grow at a rapid pace with new players joining weekly. The program has also been expanded to provide a vehicle for position players to contribute.

For more information about Strikeouts For Troops please visit www.strikeoutsfortroops.org