BETHESDA BIG TRAIN CELEBRITY SOFTBALL CLASSIC (PHOTOS)

A Redskins-powered offense lifted the Athlete team to a 18-13 victory over the Media team, in Saturday's enjoyable Bethesda Big Train Celebrity Softball Classic. You might consider this event the equivalent of Midnight Madness for Bethesda baseball fans. Beautiful weather, a packed Shirley Povich Field, the crack of bats, and the aroma of hot dogs wafting through the stands. For fans eagerly awaiting the Big Train season (which starts with an exhibition game on May 31 - order tickets now here), this was a welcome change from the record cold of the Winter that Would Not Die.

The 3rd Annual celebrity game raised money for construction and maintenance of local youth ballfields, Lorenzo Alexander's ACES Foundation, The Brave Dave Open, and The Redskins Alumni Association.

Several members of the Media team said their squad might fare better with more distant outfield walls, to reign in some of the home runs by the Athlete power hitters. But the crowd didn't seem to mind the power display, cheering wildly as Washington Redskins kicker Kai Forbath started the game with a hot smash over the outfield wall. That set the tone, even as a scrappy Media team launched a few of their own, and capitalized on speed and errant throws.

A mascot race, a tribute to veterans, food from vendors like Buffalo Wild Wings and Auntie Anne's Pretzels, and a Qdoba burrito giveaway were among the diversions. And a silent auction offered winning prizes like lunch with Lorenzo Alexander, Chris Cooley's autographed jersey from this game, and a Dexter Manley autographed Redskins helmet.

But celebrities were the biggest draw, and those on both teams stayed afterwards to sign autographs and pose for photos. One internationally-known celebrity didn't make the team, but still made an appearance: Ronald McDonald threw out the ceremonial first pitch. McDonald's was among the game's sponsors.

Here are some photos from the game - stay tuned for video very soon!

Aston Martin DBS

Corvette provided by Member Car,
which also gave away free car washes

Even this guy was shocked by
the great weather, after
hibernating all winter

Helmet signed by the
legendary Dexter Manley

Ronald McDonald chats
with fans

Fantastic weather, and a
packed house, as
game time approaches

The Redskins' Kedric Golston
mans first base

Ready for a ground ball

Media team manager, and
former Redskins tight end,
Chris Cooley

Cooley is now an ESPN 980
radio personality

But is still in demand for an
interview himself

Ronald thinking about the
good reviews the new McDonald's
Peaches and Cream Pie, and
Bacon Clubhouse Burger, got
on the Robert Dyer Channel

On deck: Steve Chenevey,
FOX 5 sportscaster

Cooley can't be pleased with
the the way the game is
going

Me with Grant Paulsen of
106.7 The Fan

WUSA Sports anchor Kristen Berset,
who is disappointed about the
closure of Bethesda's BlackFinn,
which hosted Florida Gators
game watches

Another Gators fan, Comcast
SportsNet's Julie Donaldson

Steve Chenevey chats with
Washington Redskins LS
Nick Sundberg after the game

Redskins DE Kedric Golston, and
the very cool adidas custom
jersey designed for the game

Nick Sundberg

DJ Chris Styles of WPGC

Good night from
Shirley Povich Field
in Bethesda!