P-Nats Winter Caravan Stop

"This is such a perfect match up," said Anthony Oppermann, the Assistant General Manager/Marketing & Media for The Potomac Nationals. "The Washington Nationals are right up the road from us. These type of events just get fans excited about baseball again." And that obviously was the very case this morning. Over 200 Baseball Fans of Our Washington Nationals and their Single A Affiliate, Potomac Nationals, braved some bitter cold winter temperatures to stand in line at Pfitzer Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia for Day 3 of Washington's Winter Caravan.



Nine teammates including Our Franchise Player, Ryan Zimmerman, were on hand along with Our Manager Manny Acta and Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes to meet and greet anyone wanting. 11 members of Our Franchise total were there and the fans responded. Joel Hanrahan, Willie Harris, John Lannan, Scott Olsen, Garrett Mock, Terrell Young, Steven Shell and Mike O'Connor signed autographs alongside Manny and Charlie in The P-Nats Home Clubhouse--while Our Number 11 stood on the other side of The Home Locker Room for personal photos with everyone.



"These fans, ours fans, now have the opportunity to see the young talent of The Washington Nationals grow," continued Oppermann. "How great is it that any baseball fan can now witness these young players at the beginning of their careers, right here at Pfitzer Stadium, then just a short time later--head up I-95 and see those same guys at Nationals Park--all playing for the same franchise. We need to build on this relationship because it can be so very important to both our team here at Potomac and for The Nationals. I can't tell you how happy we are they decided to visit us today with all these players--including Ryan Zimmerman."



The outside line to reach The P-Nats Home Clubhouse snaked well outside the ballpark and nearly into the parking lot at The Prince William County Stadium Complex. Fortunately, no was was rushed through the line, meaning all those that braved the elements received equal time with all 11 guests on hand. And as a Thank You from The Potomac Nationals--Glory Days Grill was on hand after The Zimmerman Photo line providing a free lunch for everybody. The menu included Pork BBQ, Buffalo Wings, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw and Desserts, with Soda and Water to drink.



As each Fan exited from The P-Nats Clubhouse to the field and then out to their cars, Anthony Oppermann stood there thanking each and everyone for coming. "We need to build on this. What a great way to turn the corner on the off-season and kick off the upcoming season," concluded Anthony. "I am hoping we can continue to work like this with The Nationals. We provide a fun and friendly atmosphere here for families to enjoy baseball. And nowhere can you sit closer to the field than here (at Pfitzer Stadium). We are so pleased they included us in their Winter Caravan. What a way to get the new season started."

Finally, The Mills Cup, The Championship Trophy for The Carolina League was on display in The P-Nats Clubhouse. The Potomac Nationals are The Defending Carolina League Champions. And did you know that Ryan Zimmerman, John Lannan, Mike O'Connor, Garrett Mock and even Willie Harris (on rehab I believe) have suited up in a P-Nats Uniform?

PS--Anthony also told me that tomorrow night's Potomac Nationals Hot Stove Banquet at The Hyatt Fair Lakes is Sold Out. Headliner Frank Howard helped to seal the deal on the P-Nats Annual Booster Club & Charity Function.

PSS--Near the end of today's autograph & picture session, I turned the corner inside The Potomac Clubhouse from Ryan Zimmerman's side over to the autograph line to hear Sohna saying to Our Manager Manny Acta--"Nice Flowers". Whereupon, The Most Charismatic of Men replies: "Hey, I guess I am the most popular guy here!!"--laughing and enjoying the moment. Quickly, I snapped off this picture of The African Queen and Manny Acta having fun with the fresh bouquet of roses.

All Photos Nats320--All Rights Reserved