Craig Laughlin inducted into Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame at Nationals Park: ‘It’s just something I never believed would ever happen’

Craig Laughlin was inducted into the Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame at Nationals Park on Sunday.

Laughlin, a 30-goal scorer as a player and now an Emmy-winning broadcaster, was joined in the 2025 class by Washington Mystics All-Star Alana Beard, radio voice of Georgetown University men’s basketball Rich Chvotkin, basketball player and coach Johnny Dawkins, Olympic gold medalist Mia Hamm, former George Mason University men’s basketball head coach Jim Larrañaga, and NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning. The Washington Commanders’ Super Bowl XXVI-winning roster was also honored as the 2025 Team of Distinction.

“It’s spectacular,” Laughlin said to Monumental Sports Network. “I still pinch myself that I’m part of this great group going in today and part of the legacy that all the people that have been in before me. It’s just something I never believed would ever happen. I never thought about it. When I got the call, it was exhilarating to say, ‘Hey, I’m in the Hall of Fame here in DC Sports.’ It’s exciting.”

Laughlin was celebrated with the other inductees prior to the Washington Nationals’ game against the Milwaukee Brewers, receiving a plaque from Nationals owner Mark Lerner.

The award reads:

Washington DC Sports Hall of Fame
Proudly Inducts
Craig Laughlin

 

In recognition of his exceptional achievements and contributions to professional hockey as a fan-favorite player with the Washington Capitals for six seasons, including the team’s first-ever appearance in the playoffs, before turning to television broadcasting and serving as the Caps’ popular color analyst for more than 30 years, thereby bringing honor and glory to the Nation’s Capital.

Inducted on August 3, 2025
Nationals Park
Washington, DC

Laughlin’s name, bolded along with all the other 2025 inductees, was also added to two large signs that contain all of the hall’s members. One sign is located inside the concourse.

The other is on the stadium’s parking garage.

Once the ceremony was over, inductees took in the game together with friends and family. (The Nats lost 14-3.)

When asked by Monumental Sports Network if there was any favorite moment he had during his career, Laughlin, at first, focused on his time playing, but just seemed grateful for every moment and every ounce of success he’s had.

“I think it was playing for the Caps,” Laughlin said. “I think playing in the 80s, getting into the playoffs for the first time was something special here in town. And then all of a sudden, the sold-out crowd at old Capital Centre was fantastic. And then I think the transition from being a player to sports broadcasting, when my first couple of years, I was like struggling, like everyone didn’t like my voice, didn’t like the way I looked, didn’t like the way I did this or that. Thank God there was no social media. And then just to be part of this Caps organization for over 40 years now, between playing and doing broadcasting, it’s something that a lot of people never have the chance to do. And I’m one of the select few that I get to do both play and also broadcast for the team I love.”

Laughlin was also joined at the game by his long-time play-by-play partner, Joe Beninati, who apparently gave him fashion advice.

“Joe B. made sure I wore a tie, sport coat,” Laughlin said. “I know I’m going to be the best dressed out there, and I’m excited about that. Yeah, he is my clothier or whatever you call him, and my sommelier.”