July 10, 2006

OAKLAND A’S BARRY ZITO TO HONOR AMERICA’S SOLDIERS WITH $500 DONATION FOR EACH AL/NL STRIKEOUT AT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME

“Strikeouts For Troops” Assists Soldiers With ‘Comforts of Home’ During Rehab

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 10, 2006) – Oakland A’s All-Star pitcher Barry Zito, the founder of Strikeouts For Troops™, has announced he will donate $500 for each strikeout thrown by an American League or National League pitcher during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 11 in Pittsburgh to the Strikeouts For Troops Fund. Strikeouts For Troops assists America’s wounded who have returned from the front lines by providing some “comforts of home” during a time of healing at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Hospital and other military hospitals.

Since the program’s inception in April of 2005, more than $190,000 has been raised through Zito’s own contributions of $200 a strikeout and those of over 35 players from the A’s and other professional baseball teams, fundraising events, and fan donations. In addition to the assistance provided to the soldier’s and their families for their welfare and special needs, contributions have funded holiday dinners at military hospitals, bought Christmas gifts for families of patients unable to afford them, and helped build a hospital children’s center where kids can stay while their parents tend to their medical needs.

“The All-Star Game is filled with festivities and showcases some of baseball’s finest stars who are proud to represent their teams,” explained Zito. “I don’t want this date to pass without recognizing our country’s brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardsmen and Marines who are America’s true All-Stars and who represent our country with honor while fighting for our freedom.”

Other 2006 MLB All-Stars who are participating in the Strikeouts For Troops are Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees, Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox, and Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox.

Strikeouts For Troops is a national program funded by contributions to the “Strikeouts For Troops Fund” at The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region. For more information on Strikeouts For Troops, please visit www.strikeoutsfortroops.org