Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Home sweet home

Associated Press photo
Nationals Park is ready to host its first-ever postseason game.
Though there was legitimate optimism surrounding the Nationals when this season began, it took some time before the city fully bought into the notion this team could win big in 2012.

Indeed, six of the Nationals' first 13 home games this season drew crowds under 20,000 to South Capitol Street.

Slowly but surely, though, the town bought into this team. And by the time the Nationals were wrapping up the regular season -- and their first-ever NL East title -- a ballpark that had never been known as a particularly rowdy venue had turned into something not seen around these parts in a long time.

"It doesn't go unnoticed," first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "You could tell early on, it was almost more of a social gathering: Come out, nothing else to do, we'll just go hang out at the park. And now it's turned into some die-hard fans, some people probably skipping work and skipping school to come see the Nats. Our last few regular season home games, I think we're about as close to playoff atmosphere as you could get."

Nothing, of course, can completely duplicate a playoff atmosphere, which makes Wednesday's first-in-79-years event particularly exciting for so many.

After opening their National League Division Series with a two-game split in St. Louis, the Nationals now get to host a playoff game in their hometown, in their home park, in front of their home fans.

Considering how few people among the sellout crowd for Game 3 on Wednesday afternoon would have even had the opportunity to attend the last postseason ballgame in the District (Game 5 of the 1933 World Series), this is going to be no small-time event.

"We're excited, not only for ourselves and for all the hard work we've put in this year," shortstop Ian Desmond said. "But to bring a playoff game to D.C., it's something that's been a long time coming. They've been through a lot, a lot of tough years. It's an exciting time in the Beltway."

The setting won't be ideal -- Major League Baseball scheduled this game for 1:07 p.m. on a Wednesday, forcing fans to either skip work or school or pawn off their tickets on others who are available -- but that won't dampen the spirit as Washington puts itself on a true national baseball stage for the first time.

Official postseason logos have been painted along the baselines. Fans will be given red rally towels when they enter the park. Players and coaches will be introduced before the national anthem.

And an old friend will step to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch: Frank Robinson.

The first manager in Nationals history -- not to mention one of the greatest players in baseball history -- has made a couple of appearances here since he was fired at the end of the 2006 season, but never in a public capacity. After a contentious breakup with former general manager Jim Bowden and former team president Stan Kasten, Robinson accepted the invitation from ownership to attend Wednesday's game.

The response, from fans and players alike, should be among the day's highlights.

"Oh, absolutely, hands down," said shortstop Ian Desmond, who changed his jersey number from 6 to 20 this season in honor of Robinson. "When he signed up here, he had this in mind. He wanted to start something, and he did. He's got his stamp on this organization forever. I'm forever indebted to him, and I think D.C. will be also."

There is, of course, a more significant task at hand for the Nationals than welcoming back a baseball legend. There is a slightly important ballgame to be played, one that could prove the turning point in this series.

Plenty of teams have stared elimination in the face and won back-to-back postseason games at home. Just look at the Cardinals, who pulled off that feat in last year's World Series.

But there's a distinct advantage to holding a 2-1 lead in a best-of-five series versus facing a 2-1 deficit.

"We know what it's going to take," LaRoche said. "I think we're going to try to keep it to one game at a time and try not to look too far ahead. We've got a big one tomorrow. If we don't get it done, we're in a bad spot. But we know how important that is. It would be nice to get that one and move on."

And, for so many who have anticipated this event for so long, it will be nice to experience postseason baseball in the District of Columbia.

"We've been a good home team, and we've put ourselves in a very good position to come home and just win a series," said Ryan Zimmerman, the only man to appear in at least one game during each of the Nationals' eight seasons. "If we can do that like we've done a lot of times this year, then we'll be sitting pretty.

"We're all excited to go out there tomorrow in front of our fans, in front of a full stadium of Nationals fans -- finally -- and see what it's like."

128 comments:

LoveDaNats said...

I cannot wait for this game tomorrow! I'm watching Giants/Reds right now......watching the rally towels and thinking we probably don't do that in DC. And then hearing they're passing out rally towels tomorrow. Ok. I'll wave one even though it doesn't feel like us. Or is that my lack of post season experience showing?

MicheleS said...

Still debating what to wear!!! Tomorrow is going to be so amazing! Kleenex is packed, so is the Maalox. This is going to be GREAT!!!

Holden Baroque said...

Bringing eyeblack Thursday ...

Ryan Eades said...

I hope they so calling the Presidents Race the "main event." Bad enough under normal circumstances, but playoffs would be embarrassing.

Ryan Eades said...

Er, stop.

Whynat said...

Presidents as the main event = "tongue in cheek humor"

A sense the fans are pressing. We just need to relax and play our game

MicheleS said...

This is just superb:

Take On Me at least we know the verse now

MicheleS said...

And for those of you that will be watching at home.. I suggest you get Charlie and Dave on the radio, because you have another STL Homer Calling the game

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

In DC, darn its cold! Nats Park awaits. History!

LoveDaNats said...

@MicheleS
Thanks for the great article! I must admit I looked up the lyrics since I was one of the ones singing nonsense at the end. I hope a-ha does show up for the WS. How cool would that be?

RickH said...

See you at the ballpark! GYFNG!!!

MicheleS said...

Ghost.. If you are in Georgetown.. Look for Bryce.. Apparantly he is out and about.

Bryce Harper‏@Bharper3407

Love Georgetown at night and the weather is unreal! #fall

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Yah, I know. He just tweeted our location. in seconds people spotted us.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

We are by Clydes.

peric said...

I just hope everyone keeps in mind that the Nats getting to this point most particularly with the best record in baseball is nothing short of a quasi miracle in a year with 2 other pretenders ... its still quite the significant accomplishment.

MicheleS said...

Ghost.. there is an insider meet up in 312 tomorrow. 1 hour before the game

peric said...

I'll be hiding over by lock 1 of the C&O near the mule trail.

peric said...

Time to bike the old crescent rail road trail ...

A DC Wonk said...

Over the year I've tried to explain why, as a former Mets fan, I was sick of and hated the Yankees. For a number of reasons.

Just wanted to point out to anyone who's frustrated with the Nats 1pm playing time and MLB.com-only TV coverage -- which is part due to the "conflicts" with the Yankees: imagine that happening nearly every day for 51 seasons.

This is just a part of why Mets fans can't stand the Yankees.

My 17-year and I will be at the park tomorrow!!

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Really, nice! I'm staying with a friend you know and hopefully get there early.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Peric, let's meet up and I'll buy you a drink

peric said...

Wonk,

Imagine that the Yankees had controlling interest to Mets media broadcasts. Imagine going to a Mets web site and finding Yankees YES logos, and old Yankees festooning it?

Welcome to our world.

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Ok, gotta get off the phone. See you all tomorrow.

peric said...

Peric, let's meet up and I'll buy you a drink

Next trip. I brought the bike and it gets cold and dark fast. And its not as easy riding around as it is on the CC since the traffic there is almost negligible compared to DC!!! Yikes I still can't believe that built that monstrosity the InterCounty connector behind my old house and my parents! Yikes! The poor Northwest branch ... all of that wild life ...

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

Stubhub ticket, check.
Metrocard, check.
Nats NL East champion T-shirt, check.
Scorebook (with room for one game left!), check.
Maalox, check.
Bourbon, er, no.
Bottled water, check.
Peanuts, check.
Fingernail clipper, er, haven't needed that for a month, no.
"Take on Me" lyrics memorized, check.
Good night's sleep? You gotta be kidding.

LoveDaNats said...

@SunshineBobby
Come to the meet up tomorrow. I gotta shake your hand.

baseballswami said...

I am very disappointed in the time of tomorrow's game and the late notice of the time. The defending world champions? First post season game since, what 1933 in DC? Come on Major League Baseball. Typical Yankee crush. I will be completely off the grid during most of the game tomorrow and will be checking in as soon as possible, probably around 3. DVR will be recording. I know several people who got tickets and are just devastated that they can't possibly go. Thursday at four a tad better. Others don't have mlb network. I actually prefer their coverage. I hope the boys come out focused tomorrow. I just want to see them play good clean baseball, win or lose. Is the SF/Reds game still going on?

LoveDaNats said...

Swami
Yes. Bottom of the 9th. Tied at 1

MicheleS said...

Swami.. be forwarned of MLB coverage.. Costas is STL Homer and Kaat vs Strasburg (enough said)

Steady Eddie said...

Interesting factoid about the Reds ROY candidate Todd Frazier -- apparently he's so invaluable to his team that he's gotten a grand total of 2 pinch hit ABs (no hits( in the Reds' first three games.

Speaks a lot louder than all the Reds' PR apparatus about how important they consider him to the team's success when ALL the chips are down on the table.

(Of course he contributed a lot to the Reds' season. You don't even get to be a serious ROY candidate if you don't do that.)

Jimmy said...

Just in case anyone is still looking for (face-value) buyers due to the game taking place in the middle of the day, I'm available and interested. And here is some food for thought: While I can't pay top dollar, I can substitute more Nats Fans per ticket than any other takers. As I mentioned last week, I'm a stay-at-home dad and both my kids are under two. That means if you sell me one ticket, I bring three Nats Fans to the game. Now that is return value.

HondoFan said...

Looking forward to the big day tomorrow.

JayB said...

Yea....Maya and Martin are much better than Chapman...Rizzo sure knows his International Market....Oh and Cepedess he was not worth the money either......Love Rizzo but until he learns to admit mistakes and spend on Intl FA....this team will underachieve it's potential.

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

Who will sing the anthem tomorrow? It better be D.C. Washington.

MicheleS said...

OY JayB.. Give it a rest. We tried on Chapman and layed out $$$$ Cinci put up more $$$$$$

Also for those on twitter or facebook or email or whatever..Please contact MASN about the Nats Classics they show! I would rather see the 80 wins from last year or the 98 from this year instead of listening to Dribble.

MicheleS said...

Feel, I hope it is DC.. But I am going to get a little misty when Frank throws out the first pitch

JaneB said...

Ryan, I'm with you. THE MAIN EVENT IS THE GAME, not the stupid Presidents.

I've already packed the car. Made a sign. Planned what I'm wearing.

Imaginary Friends coming to the game! Let's meet each other and say hey up behind section 312 tomorrow! We'll be there at least an hour before the game, but I know many will leave for our seats FOR PLAY OFF BASEBALL by about 20 before 1:00. Free Maalox for all who show up. You're on your own for the bourbon. Though I'm hoping you won't need any.

Last night I had a dream I had the wrong tickets and they wouldn't let me in. Woke up in a cold sweat.

I have the right ones in the car right now. I'm giddy. See a bunch of you tomorrow. And WE WILL ALL be there tomorrow, whether our bodies are in the park or not.

JaneB said...

PS Maybe, just for tomorrow, we could lay off the dialogue about what someone should have done when, and what player we should have that we don't, and who should have been swinging away instead of bunting, etc.

Let's ENJOY THIS DAY WE'VE WAITING SO LONG FOR.

Yes, I'm shouting. I'm practicing for tomorrow.

GYFNG!

baseballswami said...

Oh - I forgot about the mlb love fest for the cardinals. Greg Amsinger is a total homer for them. I can't stand Kaat - I suppose he will bloviate about Stras during the entire broadcast.

Section 222 said...

Xavier Nady making Nats fans proud with a K in the 10th. But the Giants take the lead on error by the 8 time gold glove award winner, Scott Rolen.

Section 222 said...

Costas may be a Cards fan, but he's a real pro, and a very good play by play announcer I think. And I think he likes the Nats too. His call of the Strasburg debut was great. So on balance, I like this team better than Dick Stockton and Bremle. We'll see how it goes. Fortunately, I'll be at Nats Park, so won't be able to get frustrated with the announcing.

MicheleS said...

Wasn't Xavier Paul in the Nats system this year?

rogieshan said...

Yeah, how on earth did the two Xavier(s) end up in the playoffs when they couldn't even bribe their way onto the Nats?

Dave said...

Filling out my scorebook right now, while watching this amazing game between Cincy and San Fran. One out away from the Giants extending the series in Cincinnati.

I've taken the day off tomorrow: sub plans are on the teacher desk, Thursday morning plans already in place.

Clothes? Something red. I have no idea which player to promote. Maybe layers of Zimmerman and Werth underneath my old-style Nationals pullover jacket.

I hadn't got that Christmas Eve feeling until I started reading these past two threads. Now I'm pumped. Hope I can sleep.

Natslifer said...

We've all been waiting for this day for so long. Here's to everyone waking up and soaking in everything and a big win for our boys - it's going to be a beautiful day for baseball.

It struck me today that I've been following MLB since I was about 6 and the postseason has always seemed excruciatingly long. But now that I've been staring at our month-by-month record, it's interesting to see that it's just 11 simple games in a month to reach the top.

Here's to the start of many of those wins in our future off of South Capitol.

GYFNG!!!!!!!

Dave said...

Giants win, and they play tomorrow, so there are three games on tap (at least). That makes our 1:00 start time a bit less pointless, perhaps. If there are four games on the schedule, then we'll be the first of a series, instead of a game the nation ignores because it's up against Judge Judy.

rogieshan said...

Hunter Pence looks like a player who came out of that cornfield in Iowa.

Dave said...

So who besides me uses the Bob Carpenter full-sized scorebook?

How do you fill out all that peripheral information for a playoff game? I guess I'll come up with something reflecting the status of the ALDS and NLDS games so far.

MPH-Rod said...

Will there be standing room tickets avaliable thursday before the game?

Section 222 said...

Ghost, if you talk to Bryce, ask him why the heck he's out in Georgetown the night before a big game if he has strep throat. Did you guys see he had a temperature of over 100 yesterday?

Joe Seamhead said...

Not a big Coco Chrisp fan, but man, he just robbed Fielder big time!

LoveDaNats said...

The optimism is wonderful! I was at a game last week when Bernadina came up to bat. Looking around at the "shark arms" all over the park, I said to my husband, "these are my people". He will be getting me professional help but I told him I don't have time until October is over. :)

MPH-Rod said...

Will there be standing room tickets avaliable thursday before the game?

MicheleS said...

MPHRod.. Nats have the info here:

Nats NLDS Info

Kind of funny that Henry is coming to us for NLDS info ;-)

JaneB said...

Section222, how domyou know Bryce is in Georgetown?

I also wonder if I can sleep.

NatsJack, you're coming up here, right?

Anonymous said...

I can't thank Mark enough for this site, but I was disappointed to see him fall into the DC-won't-support-baseball-cult with this comment:

"Indeed, six of the Nationals' first 13 home games this season drew crowds under 20,000 to South Capitol Street."

Is this really fair Mark?

We all know the weather was miserable in April. We all know the Nats faced teams with no national following, no following in DC, and in most cases, no following in their home cities:

- Cincinnati. I've never seen one of their hats on the streets of metro DC.
- Houston. Worst or second-worst team in baseball. I never saw a Houston hat in DC the year they went to the playoffs.
Miami. Hated here and in Miami.
Arizona. Yawn in DC, yawn in AZ.

There is no doubt attendance and intensity increased as the Nats' season progressed. I just don't think it's fair to say we had lousy attendance on cold, rainy school nights in April against lousy or anonymous teams.

MicheleS said...

JaneB.. Bryce tweeted the location.

Section 222 said...

MPH-Rod -- lots of standing room tix available on Stubhub for close to face value.

alm said...

Can't believe this is happening.

Will probably get there when the gates open. What to wear - has to be red - Harper, Stras or Natitude playoff? Decisions, decisions...

Come on, isn't it time yet>

Constant Reader said...

MicheleS ... 312? Tell me more. I'm 312.

MicheleS said...

Constant.. JaneB has been putting out the Nat's Signal for a meet up in 312 tomorrow 1 hour before the game. Look at her posts in last thread

Dave said...

Gallery picnic tables behind 312. Somebody PLEASE wear your bright red Nationals Insider hooded parka.

(Well, we SHOULD have those!)

A DC Wonk said...

LoveDaNats said...

@SunshineBobby
Come to the meet up tomorrow. I gotta shake your hand.

Where can I find info for the meet up?

MicheleS said...

Looks like Frank Howard throws 1st pitch on Thursday

MicheleS said...

Wonk.. 312 picnic tables 1 hour before game starts..

JaneB.. if you a reading this.. post the meet up info at the beginning of each thread.

We still don't know if we will have a celebrity siting of Mark Z.. I would be thrilled if we saw Baby Z.. you know so we could get autographs of our future CF (he can be Drake's team mate)

MicheleS said...

Fashion tips from Ian

Ian Desmond‏@IanDesmond20

If your sitting behind home plate field level I would appreciate it if you wouldn't wear white shirts. For those of u thinkin white out.

Dave said...

Visibility factor, no doubt. A white baseball against a white background is probably really, really hard to see.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

I went set my DVR and my listing for MLB network says to be announced well i know what is showing but since not listed I cant set to record. Anyone know a work around?

SonnyG10 said...

See you at the game tomorrow folks. GYFNG!!!

Dave said...

Thanks for mentioning that, Manassas. Alas, I don't have a workaround, but I was able to set up my FiOS DVR for the game just fine.

Constant Reader said...

Obviously I'm not reading constantly enough. My seats are in 312 (and have been since the place opened). I have to grab my 8-yr old out of school and catch the Metro, so I don't know if I'll be there in time to catch you folks, but I'll surely try.

Gonat said...

MicheleS, you are a wealth of info tonight!

MicheleS said...

Gonat.. I took the day off from work so I can stay up and watch the A's (and sleep in a little for the Nats Game). the reaction of Nats Fans tonight have been hilarious

Holden Baroque said...

Yah, I know. [Bryce] just tweeted our location. in seconds people spotted us.

Wait, you're with Bryce Harper?? Then who the heck is this guy with the eye black I've been talking to?

A DC Wonk said...

Thanks MicheleS for the info. I'll be able to get there before the game. Not sure if Wonk-daughter can get there by then, but I'll ask her! (Are we wearing anything special?)

Gonat said...

MicheleS, doubt I will make it early (booo). Hows about meeting after the game. Maybe Peric can meet us too.

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

Dave I guessed and got it. I manually set the time for 1 to 530 incsse extra innings. Then manually selected 859 whicj is MLB network. Then double checked and should be good to go.

My buddy I sit with in 313 row J is sitting in 310 tomorrow.

Dave said...

Okay, Manassas, so you've got the NATS cheer going in 310, right?

My son will be in 311, and he will be properly instructed in the particulars of the cheer.

I will be in 220, trying to get it going down there in sync with 313.

Anybody sitting down the 1st-base line in the Infield Gallery? Look toward 313 after every Nats score, and get your section involved.

Dave said...

Oh, sorry, just read your post properly, Manassas. So your friend is in 310. Well, he knows the cheer, right? Gotta spread the noise!

Manassas Nats' Fan said...

We cheer it amd even at home listen for it on the radio and cheer ir. Wish we could get it stadium wide. Easier to get the stupid wave then a real cheer. 310 will be doing as will my classroom.

Steady Eddie said...

Michele, where did you see that info about Hobdo? That is entirely awesome!!!! As a young teen, I was sitting down the third base line in then-DC Stadium for one of his white seat dingers. The ball was still going up when it hit about halfway up the upper section in the upper deck. Made me a DC Nats fan (wherever the franchise came from ) for life.

I saw that Beast just tweeted that he was going to sleep now... Rest up, big guy! Love to see a Hondo-length granny (or any length granny) from you tomorrow!

Gonat said...

MicheleS said...
Gonat.. I took the day off from work so I can stay up and watch the A's (and sleep in a little for the Nats Game). the reaction of Nats Fans tonight have been hilarious

October 09, 2012 10:13 PM
____________________________________

Loving the A's. A good underdog to root for!

NatsNut said...

I'm a little late catching up on today's posts and comments, but I love the enthusiasm here. I can't wait for our boys to see it tomorrow!

Off topic, but man, is Bryce Harper a cliche MACHINE or what? Derek Jeter would be proud.

Dave said...

I'm really looking forward to the A's-Nats World Series.

baseballswami said...

Which one of you has the section that does the chanting after the Nats score? You can always hear it on tv. Loud and clear please - and hopefully often.

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

LoveDaNats said...

@SunshineBobby
Come to the meet up tomorrow. I gotta shake your hand.

@LoveDa: I'll be there. Tall guy with straw hat. Trust me, I'll be the only one. My right hand will be extended. Be a pleasure. See you there.

Dave said...

That's section 313, swami. But they're just the leaders of it. Watch the guys in section 313 (short section in front of pressbox, with wheelchair pad in the back). They will give a visual signal when to do the cheer.

Gotta get the whole Infield Gallery in on this.

Section 222 said...

swami, the cheer comes from Section 313, although others in the Infield Gallery are joining in now as well. There's one regular commenter who is in that section -- Dave. It's great fun and seems to be spreading. Charlie and Dave have even commented on it.

Section 222 said...

Glad the A's won, but the downside is the game on Thursday will be at 4:07 pm. Oh well. Better than 1 pm.

peric said...

Let the drama unfold ... 3 games at home.

peric said...




A Natslady in Yankees land

peric said...

Finally, Anthony Rendon started at third base and went 1 for 3 with a run scored in the Arizona Fall League today.

Joe Seamhead said...

Woke up at 4:00, can't get back to sleep.
Oh, well.
Will have plenty of time to sleep after November 1.
Decided to drive today.
GYFNG!!!

Another_Sam said...

I reluctantly admit that I didn't sleep so well last night.

baseballswami said...

There will be rare chances for me to check in today - worst timing ever. I will be with everyone in spirit - so hard to concentrate. Hoping for a game where all the guys are not superheroes, just themselves. That's enough.

Steady Eddie said...

222 -- we still don't know re timing of Thursday game. If the Tigers win tonight, there is no Game 5 in that series on Thursday to keep our Game4 at 4 pm. So have to stay tuned 'till midnight tonight....

Nats fan in NJ said...

At my desk in the office, already cleared the calendar of having to be anywhere but in front of my computer from 1-4 this afternoon. Fortunately, my entire management chain is full of sports fans (Phillies, unfortunately) and they are understanding that I can't be disturbed.

GYFNG!!!

LoveDaNats said...

I slept terribly. Is it too early to leave for the Park? And whats with WaPo's doom and gloom about the gridlock? They did that too before Nats park opened in 2008 and it wasn't as bad as advertised. It can't be any worse than opening day traffic. Let's hope.

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

Dave said...
I'm really looking forward to the A's-Nats World Series.


So is Kurt Suzuki. He gets a ring no matter which team wins. Plus a full playoff share from the Nats and at least a partial share from the A's.

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

And whats with WaPo's doom and gloom about the gridlock?

They have to do that, since doom and gloom about late night Metro is no longer an option.

Kiterp said...

Parking in DC: $45

Authentic Werth Jersey: $250

Tickets to the Game: $500

Sunny day, 1:07 first pitch, playoff baseball in DC: priceless

natsfan1a said...

I was also glad that the A's, and the Giants, won. Saw the middle/late innings of the latter but only the start of the A's game, which was going to run a tad bit late for me. Just emailed an old friend in the Bay Area about the wins. :-)

So excited about the game today! We probably won't make it to the meetup on the dot at noon - depends on when my hubby can get away from work - but we do plan to stop in. I heard that there's no door prize for being FIRST, anyway. ;-)

MicheleS said...

Steady.. The Frank Howard stuff was on twitter, i think it was a local reporter,but not sure.

MicheleS said...

1A.. I hope that we get Lollipops and Pom Poms for showing up first

Section 222 said...

Steady, that's what I thought about the start time too, but then I saw this on the Curly W Live blog, which I think is "official." (Doesn't mean they can't be wrong, of course.)

If the A’s win tonight, but lose on Wednesday ending their series, does Thursday’s game time still change?
By Brian on October 9, 2012 10:06 pm - Reply

Based on what MLB has said, no, time would remain the same.
By Curly W Live on October 9, 2012 10:09 pm - Reply

Ghost Of Steve M. said...

Rise and shine! See you all there and if we are lucky enough to have cell coverage, post some comments!

Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Me said...

What a beautiful day for (playoff!) baseball!!

See everybody at the get-together behind 312 at noonish. I'll be one of those with a bottle of Maalox in hand!

Travel safely, and GYFNG!!!

Faraz Shaikh said...

I am going to be 'working' today so can't make it physically to Nats park. very excited about today.

I want SF-Cin and Oak-Det to go game five so all four series can be clinched on the same day, Thursday. Nats, Giants, A's and O's all clinch. That would be awesome.

Steady Eddie said...

222 - Interesting re start time on Thursday. IF true, and who knows, I guess it would be that they don't want to reset start times less than 24 hours before the game starts.

If so, it's too bad in that a later start allows more people to come more easily -- my older daughter can make it to a 5 pm start but not 4 -- and reduces the time for nasty shadows. Though maybe Det can use the early inning help -- he generally throws lots of early inning strikes -- until he settles in.

Holden Baroque said...

FS, that would be great, if only to watch the networks have a cow over seeing basically two markets, neither of them NY or LA, left playing.

natsfan1a said...

At which point we could all go into Nelson Muntz mode.

natsfan1a said...

Get me rewrite!

At which point we could all go into Nelson Muntz mode.

And where's my coffee?!

A DC Wonk said...

under face value tickets

A half-hour ago, Mrs Wonk got a standing room ticket for $28 (+fees) from Stubhub. Just now, I see there are still lots of them for under $40.

A DC Wonk said...

peric said...

Let the drama unfold ... 3 games at home.

I'm hoping for just 2 (winning) games at home, so that Gio can start the next series ;-)

natsfan1a said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nats 128 said...

I'm taking my 9 year old today and he had a hard time falling asleep and woke up at 6AM and said he can't sleep because he is so excited.

I have to say I'm excited also! My son is wearing a red Ryan Zimmerman jersey and I'm wearing a red Bryce Harper jersey. Hope to see many of you there!

natsfan1a said...

It's also showing upper outfield gallery seats for today from $32-$35

JaneB said...

I got to sleep about 12:45. Woke up at 4:45. Did some work. Worked out. Leaving now! See you all SOOOOOOON! Sending love to all Nats and all Nats Fans, where ever you'll be watching, on whatever device you'll be watching.
GYFNG!

Scooter said...

I'm very excited about the game, and also looking forward to seeing several of y'all.

Sec3 and 1a, I'd love to gloat with y'all, but that would require my actually considering what the TV network managers want. Somehow I just can't bring myself to do that.

natsfan1a said...

btw, the rally kitteh stopped by yesterday afternoon, and again this a.m. I'm not saying, I'm just saying... :-)

natsfan1a said...

And I'll be wearing a red interlocking DC polo and a red warmup jacket with script "Washington" on the back. Will also have an off-white, curly W giveaway cap with my trusty RFK exploding fireworks pin on it.

Should we all start asking Mark what time the game starts now? :-) I'm about bouncing off the walls here.

Section 222 said...

LOL 1a. "Are we there yet??"

Scooter said...

It's so nice to have this place. Where else can I admit that I just spent 18 MILLION DOLLARS for tickets to the NLCS -- and people will be happy for me rather than calling for the Brute Squad to subdue me for my own good?

John C. said...

Geaux Nats! Will be heading to the park at 11:30 (I work in walking distance). Will be rocking Section 311, hoping to join in many NATS cheers today :)

natsfan1a said...

We're saving the Brute Squad for the Cardinals, Scooter. :-)

Section 222 said...

Scooter, I keep telling myself that I'll get half of that 18 MILLION DOLLAR credit card bill back because Games 6 and 7 won't be necessary. Then I can spend the 9 MILLION DOLLARS that I get back on a couple of World Series tickets.

natsfan1a said...

Lineups on the Tweeter feed at top right. I sense a game thread coming on (also a Nats win, while I'm making predictions - hehe).

Pete said...

GIDDYUP!!!

Post a Comment