Atlanta Brave Tim Hudson

Atlanta Brave Tim Hudson didn’t exactly heed the advice of his agent when he and wife Kim opted to launch their childrens’ charity, The Hudson Family Foundation this month.

“With my health and with the economy the way it is, he really wanted us to wait another year,” Hudson tells Buzz. “But charitable funds are drying up and the kids couldn’t wait. The need is still there. Whether or not I pitch another day in the big leagues, I was going to do this.”

The goal of the non-profit? To make “a positive and long lasting impact in the lives of children who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance.”

The Hudsons, along with some of Tim’s notable Turner Field co-workers, including Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson, Greg Norton, Gregor Blanco, Jo Jo Reyes, Matt Diaz, and Casey Kotchman recently all lent their names to a casino-themed launch party fund-raiser for the foundation at the W hotel downtown.

The Hudsons are hoping to raise enough green to finance three $3,000 scholarships for in-need graduating high school seniors in the charity’s first year. The Columbus, Georgia native and former Auburn University ballplayer says the money will go to both kids here in Georgia and in Alabama.

The Braves faithful, meanwhile, have been counting down the days until the pitcher, who was sidelined last year following elbow surgery, is back in the line-up this summer. Hudson tells Buzz everything is on track.

He says he’s hoping to get in five or six rehab stints this month and be back in the Braves line-up by the end of August.

“I’m on my way, man!” Hudson told us laughing. “I’m working on some breaking balls and some change ups right now. Everything’s looking good.”

One of the highlights of the Hudson’s kick-off event? Guests got to compete in some blistering Guitar Hero match-ups.

So, which of Hudson’s teammates really rock out on the ax-wielding video game?

Replied Hudson: “Well, I’m horrible at it. But Brian McCann is pretty good and so is Matt Diaz. They get locked in on it and really rock out. But the best? That’s gotta be Javy Vazquez. He smokes everybody!”

For more info or to donate to The Hudson Family Foundation.