Photo Courtesy of Chris Cicatelli (pictured, center)
Whether he’s surrounded by a cloud of diamond dirt on the sandlot, getting creative inside the television studio, or recording the latest in a string of podcast episodes at his home studio, Chris Cicatelli is known throughout the DC area — especially among a couple different softball leagues. His charismatic personality coupled with his love for being around people are attributes that people flock to, particularly when he’s acting as his infamous alter ego: Coco Caray, sports announcer.
What is it about DC that makes it home to you?
I moved to DC in 1983, my dad got a job with CNN as a political and we made the move to DC/MD. After being here for so long, I have to say, what makes DC home to me is the spring and summer seasons. The cherry blossoms, the monuments in the spring. It is truly a beautiful city in the warm weather months.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Cicatelli
Describe your perfect day in DC. Where would you go and what would you do?
A perfect day for me in DC is taking my girls to the National Zoo and walking around Georgetown on a warm sunny day. And on a warm Sunday, it is playing softball with friends in the Glover Park Coed Softball League at the corner of 39th and Calvert — a small league with big heart.
What’s your favorite hidden gem of a location in DC? How did you find it and why do you love it?
I wouldn’t say my favorite spot is a hidden gem, but sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and looking out on the reflecting pool. It’s a wonderful spot early in the morning before the hustle and bustle of the city gets underway. I also love Gravely Point Park. Watching the planes come into national airport is still a thrill.
Who’s your favorite DC personality and why?
My favorite DC personality has to be Maureen Bunyan with ABC7. She has been a staple of this city in the news industry for decades. I am fortunate enough to work with her and proud to say she has become a friend over the years. A wonderful woman, intelligent, and one of the nicest people I have ever had the opportunity to work with.
How would you describe DC sports fans when compared to sports fans in other big American cities?
Well I am Chicago fan (Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks). When comparing DC sports fans to other sports fans (like Chicago) it is simply on a different level. DC sports fans are more laid back….of course when it is football season. But as a whole, I think because the area is so transient, it is tough to really rely on a home-grown core group of fans.
Rachel moved to DC in the fall of 2005 to study Journalism and Music at American University. When she’s not keeping up with the latest Major League Baseball news, she works on making music as an accomplished singer-songwriter and was even a featured performer/speaker at TEDxDupont Circle in 2012. Rachel has also contributed to The Washington Examiner and MASN Sports’ Nationals Buzz as a guest blogger. See why she loves DC. E-Mail: rachel@welovedc.com.
