Hudson's camp a hit with the kids

Orlando Hudson has hosted many events in the Pee Dee for his C.A.T.C.H Foundation in the last few years.

The San Diego Padres second baseman and Darlington native has hosted charity basketball games and bowling tournaments. But Hudson was more in his element Saturday as he hosted the inaugural Swing for the Stars baseball camp at Francis Marion University.

“This is what I love, it’s my livelihood,” Hudson said. “And I finally got to be home for a couple days and got a chance work with the kids and help out my foundation. It was a great turnout.”

About 80 children turned out for the six-hour camp. Hudson was joined by Florence native and former major leaguer Reggie Sanders, Padres teammate Cameron Maybin and coaches and players from the FMU baseball team.

“This is really what it is all about,” said Sanders, who now lives in the Myrtle Beach area and is involved with the Cal Ripken Baseball Experience. “It’s all about being able to do something you love and through doing something that you love to go out and help people. It is great to be able come back and show some love and support from the community.”

Maybin said he enjoyed the experience.

“I had a blast out here helping and teaching and hopefully we can do it again next year,” said Maybin, who is from Asheville, N.C. “Tough to get together with teammates in the offseason but the O-Dog is a really good friend of mine, and it is a great cause.”

Hudson is well-known for his charitable giving and was a nominee for the Roberto Clemente award, which recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement. It was the third time he was nominated for the award.

Hudson began the C.A.T.C.H. (Curing Autism Through Change and Hope) foundation in 2008 and it is designed to enable children with autism to enjoy a normal life through the funding of outlets for proper therapy, education, and extracurricular activities.

In addition to the camp, Hudson will host a charity event in the Florence and Darlington area Jan. 13-15. He also hosts several events in the San Diego area during the season.

“My grandma and my mom always made it clear, God blessed me in a position where a lot of people aren’t able to get,” Hudson said. “I have been blessed a long time and now it’s your time to go out bless others, have fun and don’t ever forget where you came from.”

Hudson is coming off his worst season in the majors. He hit a career-low .246 with seven homers and 43 RBI in his first year with the Padres. The 10-year veteran was bothered by injuries throughout the year and appeared in just 119 games.

“This year wasn’t a great year,” Hudson said. “But I’m looking forward to 2012 and got to put this year behind. Injuries happen all the time and you got to battle through it and that’s what happens you play hard.”