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Associated Press photo Ryan Zimmerman, Bryce Harper and Tyler Clippard celebrate the Nats' 82nd win. |
Tyler Clippard and Kurt Suzuki met at the pitchers' mound to shake hands. Players lined up for their customary high-fives. The same mix tape of songs heard after every win was pumped through the clubhouse stereo system.
Most Nationals didn't even realize their 2-1 Labor Day triumph over the Cubs had secured the first winning season by a D.C. ballclub since Ted Williams' 1969 Senators did it at the recently renamed RFK Stadium.
"I wasn't really concerned about that," manager Davey Johnson insisted.
"That's been the farthest thing from our goal," first baseman Adam LaRoche added.
"We want to take it to the next level," Tyler Clippard chimed in. "We don't want to stop there. That's what's exciting about the season."
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73 comments:
Woooo Hoooo
I remember the 1969 season like last week, this is why 82 and counting is so special.
Relieve to know Morse is OK and what was ailing Burnett, as I thought all along he was not 100%
Those damn Braves last night, lol
Last night - and I was loving the Phillies.
I've never been to a post season game. I'm ready. No tickets doesn't mean none available. Just means expensive.
A winning season - ho hum. Plenty of baseball left, though.It's been a blast so far. I am not overly concerned with the injuries - I think every player in mlb is dinged up in some way right now. While we have extra guys in the dugout though, none of the dinged up guys should be pushed to the point where they go to the dl. Especially when we have bench guys that don't hurt us a lot. Tracy can't pick it like ALR, would probably prefer to see Moore there. Plenty of outfielders in the house now to rest people out there. Usually I enjoy September call ups because I want to see the minor leaguers and try to pick out who will be good in the future. Moore and Lombo have had a season to show us that. Different agenda this year.
I'm sorry, but as a season ticket holder from the inception, I opened some bubbly this afternoon for the first winning season.
If this team wins 18 of the final 28 games it will have 100 wins. No Washington DC team has EVER won 100 games (the most wins in a season up to now was 99 by the AL pennant winners of 1933.)
upperdeck4 - the only honest poster on here today. We are all just pretending to be blase. We are actually dancing around in our underwear screaming WOOOO HOOOOOO.
I started going to Nats games in 2005 when it certainly was "en vogue" and "cool" to go to Nats games.
By the end of 2006, I had buddies who questioned why I would waste time rooting for a bunch of losers. Think of all the WaPo hate and comments and the overall disrespect for the team for all the losing years. There was downright hatred spewed at the owners of the team. Suffice it to say by 2010 that tempers were flaring and 100 loss seasons were how people and the national media talked about this team.
For those of us who were here from the beginning, the Nats are no longer losers and those fairweather fans that abandoned the team after 2005 are all coming back now.
The bandwagon is certainly in motion and headed to Nats Park and that is kind of bittersweet to me. I'm not totally digging the frontrunners who only show up in the good times.
Standing beside Gonat and applauding!!!!
Upperdeck4.. opened a bottle of wine to celebrate right beside you!
I'm sorry, but as a season ticket holder from the inception, I opened some bubbly this afternoon for the first winning season.
Absolutely, the right move.
Damn, just noticed that Dickey pitches Wed against the Cards, thus misses the Braves all weekend, and pitches against THE NATS a week from today.
Time to start training/getting ready for the playoffs ... perhaps that was Davey's message to Morse back in the dugout. Take things seriously or don't take them at all. The better the pitcher the better the training, the better chance they'll have in October.
Gonat said: The bandwagon is certainly in motion and headed to Nats Park and that is kind of bittersweet to me. I'm not totally digging the frontrunners who only show up in the good times.
Well, there certainly weren't many bandwagon-hoppers today. I went out. Place was half full. Announced paid was 23,215. That's embarrassingly low for a holiday crowd for a team with best record in the majors in the midst of a pennant race. We were enthusiastic enough (although not like last Friday for Gio), but our numbers were lacking. Embarrassing. No Skins on TV. No school. Decent weather. Where was everybody?
Bobby, 23,215 is more than double from what that team directly to the north did in any game last week and that was against the former 1st place team from Chicago.
Until the season ticket base gets to 30,000, that is what will happen. Early start after a rainy morning is bad for walk-up tix.
MicheleS said...
Standing beside Gonat and applauding!!!!
_____________________________
Thanks. Just needed my soapbox moment.
Until the season ticket base gets to 30,000, that is what will happen.
Once ticket sales get back up to 2005 levels it will be better ... a lot of bitter folks who complained about the frugality of the owners and weren't happy with things at the park as well left ...
There's a big mess left behind by Kasten and Bowden that needs be swept away. Its interesting to see Kasten is making another mess in Dodger land. Those folks might just get even angrier ...
GoNat - my sentiments exactly. It was tough to find folks to take my second ticket some years, but that's all behind us now and October lies ahead!
I did an analysis of future contracts and where the Nats are for next year. From the August 31st team plus DL spots like HenRod, the Nats have 21 of 25 returning players for next year + Adam LaRoche could make it 22 of 25. If I have it right, FAs are EJax, Michael Gonzalez, Burnett and Gorzo.
There is 3 catchers under contract for next season with Ramos, Suzuki and Flores.
Including LaRoche and not re-signing any Free Agents and adding back all the DLs, the 40 man looks to be 35 players.
trying to answer from 3 different posts:
Upperdeck4 - "good for you" - I didn't have a bottle of bubbly but did finish off the wine my spousal equivalent had started!
Gonat - just imagine how those of us who remember 1952 and 1969 as the last winning teams feel???
NatsfanA1A - it would be so neat to meet you but I did not bring my computer for that lesson you promised. Maybe next time.
back to Gonat - really want to focus on this year and what is to come but you made me think. LaRoche is a real puzzler. Pretty sure he will be looking for a multi-year deal. Do Not want Morse at first but that might be a reality with our outfield depth (plus T. Moore). Really want EJackson back but no more then 3 years. Love Burnett & Gorzo but also realize that if you can find guys like M. Gonzalez out there you can probably lose at least one of those 3 and be ok.
That's all for tonight folks. See you tomorrow'
Go Nats!! Go Playoffs!! Score First!!
A winning team in Washington! I know that it's always easier to carp and whine about this and that, but the big picture is a pretty great thing. I was at the game today (too much drama in the 9th, but otherwise GREAT), and will be back on Thursday and Friday. Come join me. Geaux Nats!
And a side note following up on all the "wave" talk the other day. Nat Pack Terrence was up in Section 311 today (may be the first time I've seen him up there, he's usually at field level). On his way out, I hollered "Hey, Terrence - no wave today!"
He looked aggrieved and said "It's not me!" He was quite emphatic.
John, we saw him up there from 308 - what was the cheer he was trying to do? Its sounded like Jets Jets Jets but I am guessing it was Nats Nats Nats.
Thanks for letting him know we don't tolerate no wave!!!
There is 3 catchers under contract for next season with Ramos, Suzuki and Flores.
Four catchers with Jhonatan Solano. He might be a better #2 over Flores. He's more athletic and high energy and a favorite of Randy Knorr. And I suspect Davey likes him as well. If it weren't for the injuries they might not have made the Suzuki trade ... but we'll see.
When I read a thread like this I can't help thinking what a great job Rizzo has done. And Davey. The Nats will be ready for the playoffs.
sjm, that was the 313 cheer!! So glad you could hear it down in 308. The way it works, each time the Nats score a run, we all cheer N-A-T-S NATS NATS NATS! We've recently added a Woo at the end, but that's kind of optional.) If they score one run, we do it once, two runs twice, etc. But it's not cumulative--if the score is 4-0 and we score another run, we don't do five, we do just one for the newest run. Because of the noise we usually wait for the next guy's walk-up music to end before we do it. And sometimes we'll do one more at the end of a game for a win. Join in! All the cool kids are doing it...(Oh, and because 313 is right below the press box, apparently you can hear us on the radio broadcast when we're in full force.)
Fortunately, the club doesn't rely me to make personnel decisions.
I saw Terrence at the Miller bar before a game earlier this year and said something to him about not starting the wave, especially when we're pitching. He seemed genuinely sincere when he told me that he has gotten so much flack for it, and would never do it again. He seemed likes great kid, and other then the wave thing, I like his schlick. Non- digital things that get the crowd going are mostly okay with me. I like characters, even "Bob" up in sec.311 with his "May I have your attention, please" announcements regarding pitching changes. Dryw, We heard your cheer the night we lost to the Cards 10-9, and couldn't quite make out what you were yelling in our section, but keep it up! I think that a lot of people in this town need to remove the sticks from their bottoms. and let their hair down.
As far as yesterday's relatively low attendance, I would blame the weather. Not the weather we actually had, but the miserable humidity we had for the earlier weekend days, and the 70% chance of rain that was in the forecast. Diehard fans bring umbrellas and caps, casual fans watch on TV. Dryw, I'll be joining you in 313 Wed. night. Yes, I know the cheer.
ArvaFan
Good Morning! ho hum.. just another day in Nats Town.
I predicted 86 wins...I could re-adjust the win total, but I want to savor the boys blowing by all of our expectations.
The Labor day holiday is a weekend where the doers are doing it out of town. The NFL owners had to throw a fit to change opening weekend away from Labor day. These guys were only sure of 8 home games and only drawing 30% for one of them.
Next year we will be going for our 92 win over the holiday, and will still have a small crowd. It is what it is.
Ross Detwiler hasn't allowed a single home run at Nationals Park in eight straight outings (six starts). His streak of six straight home starts without allowing a homer is tied for the second-longest current run in the NL (Jamie Garcia of the Cardinals hasn't allowed a homer in seven consecutive home starts). -Stats LLC
I was in 313 yesterday, and heard the cheer. Also Clint came by with Fan Appreciation, and gave a bunch of people hats and one lady a Strasburg-signed baseball. She seemed really happy.
At least on Saturday, when he was mainly on the walkway between 135 and 130, Terrence had nothing to do with the wave. He mostly led Go Nats and Bam Bam cheers.
Having been at all four Cards games but yesterday, it seemed to me that the humidity had a lot to do with the crowd's intensity or lack of it. Great crowds Thursday and Friday even though the first crowd was kind of small (23K), active on Saturday but less than you would have thought for the excitement of the game, and then sodden and too quiet on Sunday despite the well-played game and good size crowd. Humidity seemed like a factor.
dryw: Great Job! and yes, we could definitely hear you and now that I know what the deal is I will try and rally our troops in 308 to join in. Wouldn't that be cool to have lots of the stadium actually cheering in unison without being told what to clap or say by a scoreboard.
We have a character up on the concourse of 308 who must have an entire season ticket because he is always there and he does sometimes get us going with "Here we go Nationals, here we go - clap,clap"
slowly but surely the stadium is changing. Lots of slow clapping with two strikes, even before the 9th inning.
Go Nats!! Go Playoffs!! Score First!!
Yesterday, the Nats clinched a winning record ...
Tonight, Teddy will win...
By Monday (my third game in four days plus working all those days and all day Saturday) I was draggin' fer shore. Got a parking ticket on Sunday which I plan to protest--you can do that online. So I took Metro on Monday which is quite tiring for me, even though going home I catch an empty Circulator to Eastern Market, grab the Blue/Orange line and miss the crowds entirely. I was walking slow slow slow on the last leg home.
NatsLady, Where did you get your ticket? I've gotten them in places that I, and others, have parked in the same general area as you for the past 3 years with no problem. Now, it's a problem. I wish you luck on the protest, and please let us know how it turns out.
peric said...
There is 3 catchers under contract for next season with Ramos, Suzuki and Flores.
Four catchers with Jhonatan Solano. He might be a better #2 over Flores. He's more athletic and high energy and a favorite of Randy Knorr. And I suspect Davey likes him as well. If it weren't for the injuries they might not have made the Suzuki trade ... but we'll see.
September 04, 2012 3:30 AM
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There's actually 5 if you count Ramos, Suzuki, Flores, Solano and Leon.
They say Ramos will be ready to go. There will have to be a trade.
Also consider the team controls Perry and Lannan and neither have options for next year.
There will be trades for sure this winter or into Spring for prospects.
I got it on 1st street in the metered area, where I have parked without a problem all season. I check there for a spot before turning to the cement factory. The meters clearly say "No fees on Sundays and holidays" and I took a picture. Some of the street parking has "No Parking during Stadium events" but not there. The ticket says "FAILURE TO DISPLAY MULTISPACE METER RECEIPT" but two guys there before me couldn't get a receipt out of that meter, and same happened last time (tourists trying to get a receipt didn't). I told them it was Sunday and I'd never gotten a ticket, so I feel doubly bad... Ticked was time-stamped 3:25.
Metro is not impossible for us, but very impractical, and adds over an hour each way.By the time we pay to park at a Metro lot, pay "peak of the peak"fares getting down there, it ends up being a wash money-wise vs. parking. We have almost a 60 mile round trip and have decided that we would rather spend the trip in the comfort of our car with the A/C and listening to Phil Wood on the way home, and not worrying about if the game goes past the last train home.
Joe, that's the way I felt. Never minded sitting in traffic as I listen to Phil Wood, and since I duck out of traffic at Maine Ave, it's not that bad. I'm going to try to find that $5 lot...
Clint came by with Fan Appreciation, and gave a bunch of people hats and one lady a Strasburg-signed baseball. She seemed really happy.
She should have been. I walked by the stand on the main concourse where they sell game-used items, and autographed balls from lesser players were going for $100. They didn't have any Strasburg balls there at the time, but I'm sure they go for a lot more than that.
Edited, for the second time (time for more coffee):
On the celebration front, have never been a full STH, averaging about 10 in-person games per year since 2005. Have watched or listened to the remaining not-in-person games since the start - listened to the radio and watched the weekly non-cable game until we got cable in 2008. While I might not be a high-roller (okay, I'm definitely not one), I have been emotionally invested in this team from the start. There may have been cold winter days where I thought twice about donning my warm and cozy Nats hoodie before venturing out into society (okay, yes, there were a few such days), but I always wore my gear and represented, even in the (very) lean years. I don't drink so I just gave my hubby a big hug and kiss to celebrate after my Nats clinched their first winning season. I don't do blase where my boys are concerned. :-)
On the cheering front, I did my part, although most in our section were not actively rooting (and some turned to look at me when I did - what's up with her?). I don't think it was the humidity - it was a low-scoring game. There were some bandwagon fans, but their $$ and the buzz are good for the team, so I'll welcome them. Was talking to a few before the game, as we all ate in the scoreboard walk area. They were chatting about the game and the team's prospects for a win. When one of them asked another whether the Cubs were good this year and he couldn't answer, I blurted out "no." So then they asked me who was starting for both teams, and whether either of them were any good. I just tried to concentrate on answering the questions and not rolling my eyes. Just doing my part to help out the ballclub. :-)
The Cubs may not be good, but Samardzija is. Was impressed with him both times.
My nerves were shredding but I still laughed at Clip throwing the ball away on his pick-off attempt. OK, so he's listening...now for the execution phase.
I'm torn on the "defensive indifference." If you let the runner get to 2B (up 2 runs and 2 out)), then not only does a single get in the run, you are now in a 1-run situation with a runner on first. However, it's a trade-off, because you only need one out and you are positioning your infielders for the best chance to get that out.
I asked several friends if they were interested in going to the game yesterday. The answer I got the most was that school was starting today - lots of teachers and parents who were enjoying their last day to get ready. I also heard - family BBQ, day off and the only day I don't have to go into DC, weather iffy and - it's the Cubs - ick. I did enjoy the catch up day and had the game on the entire time. Interesting note if you didn't catch mlbtv Quick Pitch today. They actually noticed the accomplishments of ALR and his sweet swing, RZ's quick hands on defense and acknowledged the entire pitching staff - pointing out that Det has had the lowest era since the ASB. Well, well, well. Progress. So life will go on without the savior. I think we already knew that.
John C.,
Thanks for self-identifying yourself. Please cut it out with the "hit the ball hahd ... wicked hahd" and M-I-C-H-A-E-L non-sense that you spout out all game long. Cheering is great. Non-stop, just you randomness at loud volumes is showing off and I can assure you it's not impressing or amusing anyone.
Thanks
I like characters, even "Bob" up in sec.311 with his "May I have your attention, please" announcements regarding pitching changes.
This guy has been bouncing around up in the Gallery Level since the ballpark opened, as have I. One time late in one of those 100-loss seasons I was sitting right behind him. Before the game started he stood up and made a grand pronouncement. "Ladies and gentlemen. Your attention please! The Washington Nationals can still get the wild card. We're still in the hunt!" When he sat down I tapped him on the shoulder and pointed out that technically we could still win the division title. He said "I ain't goin' that far."
We have a character up on the concourse of 308 who must have an entire season ticket because he is always there and he does sometimes get us going with "Here we go Nationals, here we go - clap,clap"
This is the guy they call "Foghorn" who sits one section over from me. I was watching on TV once and I could hear him loud and clear yelling from the upper deck. Yesterday I was mentioning to the guy who happened to be sitting next to me that it looked like a lot of season ticket regulars up our way had gone out of town for the weekend. I pointed out that even Foghorn wasn't there. Then he came walking in yelling a couple of innings late.
Yes, he is, and I included that info in my pregame scouting report, along with the usual "there's a reason they play the games" disclaimer. :-)
The Cubs may not be good, but Samardzija is. Was impressed with him both times.
What was up with the 2 guys dressed up in Red White Blue outfits saying the Price Is Right?
natsfan1a said...
On the cheering, I did my part, although most in our section were not actively cheering (and some turned to look at me when I did - what's up with her?).
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My wife and I cheer hard, have for years, and newcomers often give us the stink-eye.When we go to to the World Series I expect that people will remove their sticks before they get to the stadium. GYFNG!!!
Joe S. and natsfan1a -- I got a lot of that on Sunday sitting up in the fancy seats in 211 (RC tix). It was unusual even for up there how little regular cheering (like clapping at 2 strikes, for RISP) there was, which I did partly attribute to the humidity which was like today entirely tropical. But my response to the "what's up?" looks was to say "it's a ball game not a concert!"
re the weather, even Tripp (the guy with the strange hats and elaborate gear) at the bottom of 135 has been dressing lighter these days.
I like that, Eddie. Will keep it in my back pocket. :-)
But my response to the "what's up?" looks was to say "it's a ball game not a concert!"
I have officially decided to stop worrying about the team roster for next year and really soak in this year. We'll have plenty of time to worry about next year in the off season.
To me the team success will be defined by the regular season. If we make the playoffs it's a very good year and if we win the division it's a great year.
The playoffs are a crap shoot; I will root hard and will be disappointed if/when we lose but at the end of the day it won't take away anything from this year.
… those of you who were longtime Senators fans will understand just what this video says about the Expos and what they mean to a whole lot of us up here in Canada.
… and I hope you'll realise that the great Nats' success of this season is part of the full story for us.
… you should watch it - just because.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFX92ALqxlk
Go Nats!!
I'm with the both of you. :-)
MicheleS, I also predicted 86 wins and hoping that might be enough to compete for one of the wild cards. Never dreamed it would go this well! Glad to be wrong!
natscan reduxit
I like you am an old Expos fan; I was there in Jarry Parc; through the 'almost' years of 79 - 81; the excruciating strike of 94 which robbed us of a playoff opportunity and the dying years under the scumbag Jeffrey Loria.
Most of my fellow Expos fans abandoned the team when they left Montreal and adopted teams such as the Blue Jays but I could never do that; I always felt that when you are a real fan you are a fan for life.
Now; I live in NJ; my son who is probably a bigger fan than me goes to school in Boston and once a year we make a pilgrimage to DC for a weekend series (this year we did a Mets/Braves split and despite all the rain delays and no Metro or Taxis we still loved it).
What a magical year.
Analysis of the contenders' remaining schedule.
Contenders
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/10-degrees--sizzling-a-s-face-roughest-schedule-among-playoff-contenders.html
Steady Eddie said...
Joe S. and natsfan1a -- I got a lot of that on Sunday sitting up in the fancy seats in 211 (RC tix). It was unusual even for up there how little regular cheering (like clapping at 2 strikes, for RISP) there was, which I did partly attribute to the humidity which was like today entirely tropical. But my response to the "what's up?" looks was to say "it's a ball game not a concert!"
September 04, 2012 9:14 AM
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As Bill Veeck said, "The better the seats, the less they know about baseball." Eddie, years ago I had a barter thing going with long ago Redskins running back Jim Castiglia, and had the same seats for the Redskins in the nosebleed section for 15 years. Part of the deal was that I also got seats once a year in the mezzanine section, next to the press box on the 40 yard line. Wow, great seats, but once when Herb Mulkey ran a punt back for a touchdown, my wife and I jumped and down hootin' and a'hollerin' and everybody else was politely clapping, at best. I told Jim to give those tix to somebody else in the future. Those folks acted like they were at a darn opera. [SORRY about the pointy ball reference!]
liveronions, I cheer the way I cheer, you cheer the way you cheer. I don't get personal, I don't use profanity. I'm not standing on the dugout like a Wild Bill Hagy wannabe - because I don't want to block the view of the people around me. Yes, I have fun, and I want other fans to be involved, too. I cheer when "Bob" the microphone guy does his schtick. I join in when section 313 gets the N A T S NATS NATS NATS cheer going. There's a boistrous woman in section 310 who starts cheers - I join in those, too (when I can figure them out). As far as I know there is not an approved list of cheers that you have to stick to at Nats Park.
I don't want to step on anyone's toes out there -I try not to hurt anyone's ears (I'll modulate the volume upon request) or sensibilities, but that's about it. Every now and then I get some negative feedback, but I get a lot more encouragement. I guess you'd be surprised, but it takes all kinds. Bottom line, it's a ballgame, not the Kennedy Center Opera House. I am mindful not to be rude, crude, antisocial or personal. And if I sing "Take On Me" and hit the high note when Morse bats, or happen to drop in a Bull Durhum, Princess Bride or Galaxy Quest reference, laugh if you get it, just scratch your head if you don't. Eez OK.
Fair warning: I'll be at the games Thursday and Friday. :)
natscan reduxit
I have been hoping that fans in Montreal have been claiming some ownership of this season as well. You deserve it.
Good for you,John C. Keep having fun, don't ever let them get you down!
Great video, natscan reduxit. Thanks, I feel your pain, and am glad that you are enjoying the current success.I wasn't so gracious with the Texas Rangers, but between Arlington, Texas and Short, we got robbed of our team in a different way.
Thanks Joe. For a while my group was leading cheers when Ian game up to "Take the first pitch! Take the First Pitch!" And sometimes we'd encourage Jayson to "Swing atthe first pitch! Swing atthe first pitch!"
We had a campaign going where we wanted Ian to take the first pitch occasionally and give it to Jayson to swing at. And I have to admit, Ian has gotten more patient and Jayson occasionally will ambush a first pitch. Baby steps :)
Just had a discussion at the gym about the Nats. People here concerned about Angels and Dodgers although Dodgers win 2 in a row on walkoffs.
There seems to be changing dynamics with 2 Wild Cards. More teams are mathematicly in it and a suddenly hot team can make a run for the second Wild Card.
Joe S. -- actually on exactly your theme I had a great moment with my 90-year old Mom who I took to the Saturday game (which despite the loss was perfectly chosen for a lot of excitement, apart from the concern re JZimm). She can't really do stairs so our 21-game ST package seats low down in 135 -- right by the ramp from the 1st Street SE entrance -- were perfect, including the access to the bathroom on the ramp. Anyway, really hot day which got a little better as the sun went behind the overcast, and she kept refusing my suggestion to take a refresher in the A/C of the Stars and Stripes Club (I had brought a couple of passes if needed). She loved the experience and even communed with the spirit of her none-too-nurturing father by keeping score (though after repeatedly seeking my guidance on how to do it, she remarked "I had no idea it was so complicated!" -- I didn't even try to keep up with scoring the throws on Harper's run from first on Zim's single!).
Except for the score, the whole thing was perfect from beginning to end, and she wanted to do it again next year, health permitting (this was the last day game of the year for which I had our regular package tix with accessible seats). I love her response when I offered to get her RC tix at the second level -- "I don't want to sit up there with the rich people -- I loved being down there with Tripp and Terrence [who did NOT start or encourage any waves] and most of all, it's not a ballgame unless you can sweat and smell the field!"
Made my weekend.
Great video. Thanks for posting it.
What was up with the 2 guys dressed up in Red White Blue outfits saying the Price Is Right?
Look a little closer, Jack--that's "The Bryce Is Right!"
You can observe a lot by watching.
this old grandma had tears in her eyes after yesterday's clinch of a winning season. With the original and expansion Senators, the good seasons were few and far between. The Nats making the playoffs would be uncharted waters for me, but however and whenever this season ends, I love this team.
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