Washington Nationals to honor 2011 DC Sports Hall of Fame inductees on opening day

The Washington Nationals will honor the six newest members of the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame prior to the team's 2011 season opener against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, March 31 at Nationals Park. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the legendary sports club, whose 2011 inductees include: - James Brown, Host of CBS Sports "The NFL Today" - Dominique Dawes, Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast - Brian Mitchell, Former Washington Redskins Running Back - Willie Stewart, Former Anacostia High School Head Football Coach - Michael Wilbon, ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" Co-Host & Former Washington Post Columnist - Morgan Wootten, Former DeMatha High School Head Basketball Coach These honorees were selected based on their outstanding contributions to the world of sports, thereby bringing honor and recognition to the Nation's Capital while furthering the high standards of athletics in the Washington, DC community. They will join 80 Washington-area standout athletes and sports personalities, including Sammy Baugh, Josh Gibson, Walter Johnson, Wes Unseld, Sonny Jurgensen, Pauline Betz Addie, Arnold "Red" Auerbach and many others who are already in the DC Sports Hall of Fame. During the pregame ceremony, which will begin at noon, each new inductee will receive a Washington Sports Hall of Fame plaque commemorating their induction and their names will be added to the large Hall of Fame display at Nationals Park, located on the side of Garage B facing the field. Brotman-Winter-Fried Communications Founder/CEO and Hall of Fame member Charlie Brotman joined Comcast SportsNet's Andy Ockershausen in serving as co-chairmen responsible for reorganizing the Hall of Stars sports alliance into the DC Sports Hall of Fame and selecting this year's inductees.