San Diego Padres second baseman Orlando Hudson has passions that lie beyond the diamond. Through his C.A.T.C.H. Foundation (Curing Autism Through Change and Hope), Hudson is focused on helping children diagnosed with autism succeed in life.

Hudson was a standout baseball, basketball, and football player in high school. In baseball, he was an All-State selection, while also serving as both the quarterback and punter on the school’s first ever football team.

All of his athletic success could have made him egocentric, but he noticed there were children at his school who were less fortunate than him.

“When I was in high school, autistic kids often got pushed to the side,” Hudson said. “(They were relegated to) classrooms with no windows and little interaction.”

In his heart, Hudson knew something was wrong.

“God creates everybody in their own special way and makes everybody different,” Hudson said. “These kids definitely have special gifts. They are very talented and very smart. They are just different than you or I.”

That's when Hudson knew he wanted to make a difference.

“I always told my mom, ‘If I make it to the big leagues and God blesses me to make some money, I am going to have my own autistic school someday.’”

While Hudson’s initial vision of having his own autistic school has yet to be accomplished, he has kept his promise by creating the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation in January 2008. The foundation enables children with autism to enjoy a normal life through funding for proper therapy, education and extracurricular activities.

A major beneficiary of the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation is The Autism Discovery Institute. Part of Rady Children’s Hospital, the institute is a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive services and advanced research into autism spectrum disorders. The institute also helps teach people to positively interact with autistic family members.

“Society says (autistic people) can’t get a job and they put all these stipulations on them,” Hudson said. “I don’t like that, so I have to do everything I can to give these kids a bright future just like everybody else.”

Hudson takes a hands-on approach to his foundation by being actively involved in the various events the foundation puts on throughout the year, such as a petting zoo for autistic children held at Petco Park prior to the season.

These events are special occasions to Hudson, and he looks forward to his personal interaction with the children.

“These autistic kids go out with a smile on their face loving life,” Hudson said. “Beyond what I do on the field, to see a smile on these kids’ faces is great!”

Hudson also hosts several fundraisers throughout the year benefiting the C.A.T.C.H Foundation and The Autism Discovery Institute.

His next event will be the Strike Out! Autism Bowling Fundraiser on Thursday, July 28, 2011 from 7 to 10 p.m. at East Village Tavern and Bowl.

“It’s definitely for the community to enjoy,” said Hudson. “I will be there with my teammates and other celebrity guests.”

The night of fun is only $30 with one hundred percent of the proceeds going directly toward the service projects of the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation. To sign up to play or sponsor a lane, visit the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation's website.