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Wounded Warriors and Local Notables Play Softball at Nationals Park Today

The team of veterans and active-duty service members who have lost limbs in the line of duty will take the field after the Nats–Red Sox game.
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Photograph courtesy of the Washington Nationals.

While opening day is still more than a week away, the Washington Nationals will play ball at Nats Park today in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox. It’s their first home game since spring training. After the 3 PM MLB action, there will be an even more special event: the Wounded Warrior Amputee Celebrity Softball Classic. A valid ticket for the Nats-Red Sox game covers the double header.

Among the locals expected to coach or play are Mayor Vincent Gray and council member Jack Evans; chefs and former Top Chef contestants Spike Mendelsohn and Bryan Voltaggio; former Redskins LaVar Arrington, Charles Mann, and Darrell Green; Buddy Biancalana, who played for the Kansas City Royals; John Auville and J.P. Flaim from The Sports Junkies radio show; and an assortment of local sports reporters and announcers.

Ten players make up the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team. According to a Nationals press release, “This extraordinary softball team is composed of veteran and active-duty service members who lost limbs while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and now travel the country competing against able-bodied opponents.”

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Carol Ross Joynt