The 4th Annual ziMS Foundation Golf Tournament

Ryan Zimmerman, John Lannan & Craig Stammen from Our Washington Nationals.

David Wright from The New York Mets.

Michael Cuddyer from The Minnesota Twins.

And Joel Hanrahan from The Pittsburgh Pirates.



Just six of the 144 Golfers on hand this past Saturday at The Red Wing Lake Golf Course in Virginia Beach, Virginia. All participating in the sold out 4th ziMS Foundation Golf Tournament. The last half of the now yearly Gala & Golf outing dear to the heart of Ryan and his family. As you may already know, and well documented here on Nats320, The Z-Man's Mom, Cheryl, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995. And beginning in 2006, Ryan founded The ziMS Foundation dedicated to the treatment and finding of the ultimate cure to MS.

Each and every year since, the Saturday Golf Tournament has gotten bigger and even better. No question, the Gala is a fun night out. The opportunity to chat and mingle with many who believe in the same cause. It's the reason Sohna and I first made our way to southeastern Virginia last November.

But the golfing helps bond everyone together.





There were 38 different sponsors at Red Wing on November 7th providing donations and services from $350 to $10,000. Norfolk Southern, Radman Radiological & The Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group topping all donors with their Grand Slam Sponsorships providing $10 Grand. Each Golfer also had the opportunity to take home four different cars--if they were fortunate enough to tee off and drive a hole-in-one at the 4th, 8th, 13th or 16th Holes. Kool Lincoln Mercury, Charles Barker Lexus/Toyota/Infiniti/Scion and Hall Automotive offering that "get your game on" chance. Under Armour (The Sports Clothing Manufacturer) providing golf polos. Gordon Biersch Restaurants & Breweries Lunch and Bottled Beer all day long. JFH Strategies along with "Hometown Heros" providing the main meal for the Golfers and ziMS Foundation Staff at the conclusion of the tournament--when the awards were handed out.



And just like last year, The Tiki Bar was back and going strong!! Dean Eitemiller providing the liquor all day. Hoffman Beverage Company--Budweiser Products.




This was also the season in which Sohna and I stepped up our participation. For 2009, Nats320 sponsored the 12th Hole. We had a great time greeting the foursomes as they came our way throughout the day. The sight of Joel Hanrahan explaining to Michael Cuddyer (his playing partner) what Nats320 is and the 'die hard fans they are'--absolutely priceless. In fact, Cuddyer--another Tidewater area native--was a real joy to chat with. Very personable. He told The African Queen and I later he had his "best drive all day on your sponsored 12th hole."

Michael also had both of us laughing when I asked him after the Golf had concluded: "What are The Twins going to do (moving to outdoor Target Field in 2010) if they play The Colorado Rockies in The World Series one day?"

Cuddyer: "White Out Baby!! It's going to be frigid!!" (very animated response--very funny) But you could tell, he was excited to see his Minnesota Twins move from the Indoor Humphrey Dome to Outdoor Target Field. Fun Guy!!

Sharing a few moments with Ryan Zimmerman after the event ended and chatting about The Minnesota Twins Rightfielder, Our Number 11 said: "Michael really is a nice guy and he wanted to be here to help support us. We couldn't ask for much more."





You could say that, as well, about all 144 Golfers and the many volunteers who made their way to Virginia Beach this weekend to support The Zimmermans' and their personal cause at Red Wing. How nice to see dozens of Zimmerman family friends pitching in and helping out in whatever way they could. Wonderful to see both of Ryan's Nationals Teammates--Lannan and Stammen--drive down from the Washington, D.C. area to participate. Gratifying to see The Mets' David Wright (and schoolboy friend of Ryan) bring his own group and play a round of golf. How decent to witness the local businesses pitch in and make the 4th ziMS Foundation Golf Tournament even more special.

We just missed out on a great picture opportunity as Sohna and I were driving back from our 12th Hole Sponsorship. But it was gratifying to see David Wright actually stop playing his round and drive his golf cart over to Cheryl Zimmerman and talk with her for some time. This one moment signified how much everyone on hand cared for the good cause this event was all about.





Yeah, there were 38 Sponsors, 144 golfers, and 300 folks at the Friday night Gala, but 74 more organizations and individuals also made contributions this weekend. When The Tiger Woods Foundation, The (Albert) Pujols Family Foundation, Starbucks, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Golf Digest Magazine, Glaceau/Vitamin Water & Our Washington Nationals help out in some way--clearly--The ziMS Foundation is doing something right. In a down economy year, individuals and groups found a way to make a difference for Multiple Sclerosis.


That's all you can really ask. A great time for a good cause. On a beautiful golf course that was Red Wing Lake this past weekend. If you would still like to help out Ryan Zimmerman, his Mom--Cheryl--and their famly--you can still donate at The ziMS Foundation website.

As for us, Sohna and I had another very enjoyable weekend in Virginia Beach and very pleased we could participate in some small way at The 2009 ziMS Foundation Gala & Golf Tournament.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

4th Annual ziMS Foundation Gala

"We hope that person by person you will pass it on" stated Keith Zimmerman. "And because of all you we are making it happen and hopefully finding a cure." Ryan Zimmerman's father was accompianed by his wife, Cheryl. Both were on stage in front of nearly 300 attendees at the 4th ziMs Foundation Gala in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The now annual event to help raise awareness and, hopefully, find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

The disease that has afflicted Cheryl Zimmerman since 1995.




This ever popular grass roots get together is now finding its legs and reaching out across the Mid-Atlantic States. Norfolk Southern, Walmart, Anheiser Busch, Pittsburgh Forest Products, Gordan Biersch Restaurants & Breweries, The Colonial Athletic Associaton, Our Washington Nationals and yes, even Nats320 are just a few of the 38 Sponsors for this yearly effort to fight MS.


"I can't thank all of you enough for coming," stated Ryan Zimmerman. "This means a tremendous amount to my family. We hope that one day we will can say we found a cure." The Z-Man again playing host, wanting to be there at The Wyndham Oceanfront Resort in Virginia Beach, Virginia this Friday night, November 6th. The President of The ziMS Foundation hosting and letting everyone know how appreciative his family and friends are over the concern that many have shown.




This is no small affair any longer. A private VIP Meet & Greet beginning at 5PM with Ryan. A silent auction partitioned into two separate parts going into full force at 6PM. The first ending at 7:30PM. The second at 8:30PM. The entire time spent while chatting and mingling with the many guests enjoying Hor d'oevres, drinks, card tricks & piano entertainment.



Nothing like chatting with Our Number 11 in a informal setting. Just having a good time and supporting a cause so close to his heart. Enjoyable also to not only talk with Ryan, Keith and Cheryl, but their many family friends along with Joel Hanrahan, Craig Stammen and John Lannan. All three baseball players on hand to support their colleague and his family--then play a round of golf on Saturday.











There were some very nice auction items tonight. Not only The Ryan Zimmerman Complete Autograph Package which Sohna and I were outbid on at the final moment this evening--but autographed jerseys from Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Derrek Lee, Ichiro and Ken Griffey, Jr. Game Tickets and Autographed Jerseys and Memorabilia from The Washington Redskins and The Washington Capitals. Adam Dunn signed cleats, lunch with Ryan including a year's supply of beer from Gordon Biersch, four Presidents Club tickets, field passes to batting practice, two Zimmerman signed Jerseys to any game in 2010 (except for Opening Day). And the big ticket item of the night--a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy which was, by far, the the most enticing auction of the evening.

Never one's to go home empty handed, Sohna and I won an auction for a special Kellam High School Lot. The very school which Ryan Zimmerman attended in Virginia Beach. Included along with a four day Baseball Camp for next June (which The African Queen and I will donate to a needy person) were three Kellam Baseball Caps, one long sleeve Kellam Tee-Shirt and one Kellam Ryan Zimmerman Bobblehead.

Yeah, a Bobblehead. A giveaway to also EVERY SINGLE ATTENDEE. But in this freebee case was Our Washington Nationals version. The Nationals Park Giveaway from 2008 depicting the Z-Man in his red "DC" Jersey. Gifts which also included a ziMs Foundation Tote Bag, Cup and Pen.

We had a great time and really enjoyed the stage entertainment from the so-called "Educated Redneck". Don Ellison was, at times, absolutely hilarious. And kept the crowd rolling for a good 20 minutes.

Much, much more coming tomorrow as we attend the Golf Tournament. But it's never too late to donate to the ziMS Foundation and support Ryan Zimmerman's mother--Cheryl. Just click on this link and see how you too can participate.

Sohna and I will be back tomorrow evening with the Golf Tournament Wrap-Up.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Frank Robinson--The Picture Of The Day

On the very day this picture was taken on April 17th 1956, Frank Robinson was 20 Years Old and about to play in his very first Major League Regular Season Game for The Cincinnati Reds. Over 50 Years later, Frank Robby would wear a Big League Uniform for the last time in a Regular Season Game (in all likelihood) managing Our Washington Nationals.

That date was October 1st, 2006. Frank Robby was then 71 Years Old.

Nearly 5000 times during one of the greatest baseball careers of All-Time, Frank Robinson would wear Number 20 on the back of a baseball uniform. For The Cincinnati Reds, The Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, California Angels and Cleveland Indians, he played. For The Cleveland Indians, The San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Montreal Expos & Nationals, he managed.

Always a trendsetter and never one to back down to anybody, Frank would become the 1956 National League Rookie of the Year, tie a Major League record with 38 1st Year Homers that season, and would lead The Cincinnati Reds (then also called Red Legs) to the 1961 World Series. The year Robinson would garner his first MVP Award. Yet being a seven time All-Star and Gold Glove Winner for The Reds was never enough to some in the mid-west.

Incredibly, Frank Robinson was never really appreciated for his accomplishments by Cincinnati's Ownership. And when Reds Owner Billy DeWitt traded Number 20 to The Baltimore Orioles claiming Frank was "an old 30", one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history helped transform a good young team just up the parkway from Washington, D.C. into a dynasty.

Upset over Cincinnati Management sullying his career, Frank Robby carried the entire Baltimore Franchise on his back over the next six seasons. Four-times The Orioles won The American League Championship. Two-Times they won The World Series. In 1966, Frank's first season in The American League--he was named Most Valuable Player. Still, the only person to be so named in both leagues.

Yet, Frank Robinson wasn't done with his accomplishments. He wanted to be a Major League Manager. And he wanted to be the first African--American to do so. In 1975, The Cleveland Indians hired Old Number 20 to be their Player-Manager. Over the next 31 years Robinson would manage four different franchises, never winning a league championship, nor even a division title. His personal success on the field never transforming to the dugout.

Elected into The National Baseball Hall Of Fame & Museum in 1982, Frank Robinson was respected like virtually no other person in the game. He was a fierce competitor during his playing days. That fire which carried over to his managing career. Remember when Frank Robby argued a ruled home run hit by The Atlanta Braves in 2005 at RFK wasn't? And he got the call reversed--even though replays proved the ball DID hit the foul pole. Remember when he got in the face of Mike Scioscia--the manager of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim--at Angels Stadium over the famous pine tar incident in Brendan Donnelly's glove that same season? One of the highlights of 2005. Remember when few could control the hot tempered, but talented, Jose Guillen during the Inaugural Season of Our Washington Nationals? Frank could because when he spoke, players listened. For those first two seasons after baseball returned to The Nation's Capital--Frank Robinson was The Face Of Our Franchise.

Sohna and I will always remember him for his toughness as well as this poignant moment during his penultimate game as manager in a Nationals Uniform. Frank Robinson also had a heart. Still as memorable as things get.

From the very first day he donned a Cincinnati Reds Uniform until the very last day he wore a Washington Nationals Jersey, Frank Robby proved to be a proud and decent man. A great player from one of the greatest generations of players in baseball history, Frank Robinson always has held his head up high.

Dignified still today, Frank Robinson--The Picture Of The Day.

Photo Copyright--Time Inc, Life Magazine. Photographer--Francis Miller

Please Let The Celebration Breathe

Not 15 seconds after Mark Teixeira recorded the final out of Game 6 of the 2009 World Series, Major League Baseball Officials and Staff were all over the field getting in the way of The New York Yankees celebrating their victory. Do you think MLB could let the players live in the moment for a little while longer?

Do you think Major League Baseball could let the celebration breathe?

No, instead you could clearly see on Fox TV guys carrying handfuls of Grey Championship Tee Shirts and Navy Blue/White Caps grabbing players from their pile of joy while forcing the commercial crap all over them right away. Nothing more ridiculous than when some tee-shirt toting guy grabs Teixeira and pulls him back from hugging Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera just to tell him to put on that grey tee-shirt. For a moment, it looked like Mark was going to slug him for getting in the way of his fun. And Teixeira probably should have too.

It is just plain silly. Whether The New York Yankees, The Philadelphia Phillies or, eventually, Our Washington Nationals win The World Series--Major League Baseball needs to let the players, coaches and club personnel enjoy the spontaneity, The Moment Of Joy, winning a championship gives someone--without the crass commercialism being shoved down everyone's throats--right away.

There will be plenty of time for that stuff later.

Please Major League Baseball, let the celebration breathe. Don't choke and cut off all the natural excitement of a special moment in a team's lifetime--just to sell a few more tee-shirts and caps.

Of course, not five minutes after The New York Yankees claimed their 27th Title, the very first commercial played on Fox was--you guessed it--"Buy Your New York Yankees Championship Memorabilia Right Now!!"

Even when a team has reached the pinnacle of their sport, Major League Baseball still can't get past the money side--for 10 minutes. Very disappointing.

Photo--Jared Wickerham (Getty Images)

No Old Boys Network Any Longer

Since the 2009 baseball Season came to a close for Our Washington Nationals, General Manager Mike Rizzo has been quite the busy person. Slowly and methodically, he's been rebuilding, reorganizing and transforming D.C.'s Baseball team--from the top side down. Today, more moves in the front office with the hiring of a well-respected baseball mind as Special Advisor, and the promoting a tireless background scout of the past three seasons to a new position of Director of Professional Scouting.

Ron Schueler becomes one of "Riz's" new right hand men. And Bill Singer upgrades from Special Assignment Scout and Pacific Rim Coordinator. Coming on the heels of three major baseball operations hires on October 15th and the subsequent additions of Casey McKeon as Director of Player Procurement and Jay Robertson as a special assistant to the GM last week--it's clear that Mike Rizzo's reach is throughout the game.

And he's using that to Washington's advantage.

Our New GM seems to have, not only pull, but the conviction to convince other talent evaluators in baseball that what Our Washington Nationals are attempting to accomplish at this point is time--is worth coming on board and being a part of. That's a good thing because in just a short period of time in charge, Mike Rizzo clearly has determined who on his acquired staff needed to be maintained--and who should not--while understanding there are better folks out there to serve Washington's many needs.

Sohna and I love the fact that Rizzo's not playing the Old Boys Network. The hiring of old friends and associates (think Cincinnati here). He is legitimately looking throughout the game for top judges of baseball skills--not just those looking for a paycheck. Clearly, many new hires, promotions and pink slips come when a new boss takes a new job. But it's also important for the top guy to set a new tone and move Our Franchise in a positive direction.

Certainly, Mike Rizzo knows all these folks personally he's recently added to his Baseball Operations office, but none of those coming over from other ball clubs has Mike ever work under--or for.

Big, Big, Difference.

It would be hard to dispute the maneuvers committed to by Mike Rizzo over the past month. What once appeared to be a patchwork organization clearly has a more defined structure now. The new system being installed for finding and working with baseball talent--both on the amateur level and in the professional game--is nearing it's front office makeover conclusion. The results of which will hopefully build stronger roots--providing the foundation every franchise needs--to win consistently for years and years and years to come.

No Old Boys Network Any Longer.

How Refreshing.

And you know Our New Manager's Decision is coming next, followed by roster moves. The determining of whether players currently on the 40-Man Roster should be resigned, offered arbitration or non-tendered. The opening salvos to the upcoming GM & Winter Meetings when The Hot Stove League truly comes to life and the horse swapping of talent between teams sets into full swing. The time of year when any organization must know what cards they have and which should be played. Understanding what you got and can get, honest evaluations that Washington should better be able to handle this off-season, thanks to the six new front office additions and two promotions handed out since October 15th by Mike Rizzo.

Here is the complete press release from the team:

NATIONALS NAME FORMER WHITE SOX GM RON SCHUELER SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE GENERAL MANAGER NATIONALS PROMOTE BILL SINGER TO DIRECTOR OF PRO SCOUTING

The Washington Nationals today named Ron Schueler Special Advisor to the General Manager. The Nationals also promoted Bill Singer to Director of Professional Scouting. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements.

A 42-year baseball veteran, Schueler joins the Nationals after serving the previous two seasons as Senior Advisor of Player Personnel for the San Francisco Giants. Schueler is perhaps best known for an 11-year stint (1990-2000) as General Manager of the Chicago White Sox, during which his clubs compiled an 817-734 record and a .527 winning percentage while finishing first or second in the AL Central or West eight times, including a pair of division titles in 1993 and 2000.

In 2000, his final season as General Manager, Schueler’s White Sox were named “Organization of the Year” by Baseball America.

In addition to his tenure as White Sox General Manager, Schueler has served in various special assistant capacities with the Cubs, Cardinals and Athletics, earning World Championship rings with St. Louis in 2006 and Oakland in 1989. He was also a pitching coach with the White Sox (1979-81), Athletics (1982-84) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1986). Schueler pitched for eight big league seasons (1972-79) with the Braves, Phillies, Twins and White Sox.

Singer’s new duties will include coordinating, scheduling and administering all Nationals major league, minor league and winter league scouting efforts. He most recently served the Nationals as a Special Assignment Scout and Coordinator/Pacific Rim Operations.

Singer joined the Nationals in 2006 after a three-year stay with the Arizona Diamondbacks as Major League Scout, where he worked under Rizzo. Singer was a two-time All-Star during his playing career, which included a pair of 20-win seasons (with the Dodgers 1969 and Angels in ‘73) and 118 wins. He has well over 30 years of professional experience as a player, area scout, national crosschecker, professional scout and international scout.

Rizzo/Strasburg Picture Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved