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Washington Capitals legends make their presence felt in the community
Photo credit: NHL
Some of the greatest names in sports stepped up to the plate on Saturday for the 2025 Alzner Foundation's Swing into Summer event. Current and former Caps' players Holtby, Backstrom, Oshie, Joel Ward, Karl Alzner, Strome and McMichael all took turns in the batter's box.
And there were others too, like Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Eton, Commanders' notable Ryan Kerrigan, and USWMT's Haley Skarupa, Haley Scamurra, and Lacey Eden.
For the second-straight year, Alzner and his wife Mandy's Alzner Foundation hosted a sold-out crowd at Capital One Park in Mclean, VA, where the home run derby and charity softball game took place.
Washington Capitals legends get involved in the community
The 2025 event benefits the, 'Fight for Children's Early Access to Sports Program', which makes a variety of sports available to six- and seven-year old kids from Wards 7 and 8.
"The event doesn't work without those guys," Alzner said, referring to all those that contributed to the event. "We're happy that they're here. I'm hoping, especially for the first-timers, once they start playing and see how it's run, that they really enjoy themselves and want to come back instead of us having to ask, 'Pretty please, will you come back?' "
The teams' captains for the day were Backstom and Oshie, and led Team Starr Hill and Team Palo Immix respectively.
Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin provided commentary of the afternoon, while Bob McDonald and Caleb Green sung the national anthem.
Oshie's squad jumped ahead to a 3-run advantage before even the first pitch, by winning in the Home Run Derby and Hockey Target Shooting events, in what was a tight contest.
Dylan Strome smashed a 3-run homer in the 6th inning, but was followed by a 4-run inning by Team Starr Hill, pushing the game past the 7th inning. Ultimately, Team Palo Immix won the day, with a 26-24 victory, and closing-out the game with a classic double play.
Adding to the day's fun were the players' kids, who often took to the field, with Anson Alzner, Vince Backstrom, and Haley Backstrom participating in the ceremonial first pitches.
It was a feel-good, magical day with smiles all around the park.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 26 ANSWERS Washington Capitals legends make their presence felt in the community Will you consider attending the Alzner Foundation's Swing into Summer event in the future? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 34.6 % |
| No | 17 | 65.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
