The Young Beer Vendor

The Young Beer Vendor was easily the best thing about today's 11-2 drubbing of Our Washington Nationals by The Florida Marlins at Space Coast Stadium. Early pre-season games tend to be disjointed due to the constant changeover of pitchers and batters. We've noticed, by the time any spring game usually reaches the 8th inning--most everyone in attendance gets up and goes. But today, those among the 2,216 had something special to cherish.

For Washington Fans, there was enjoyment in seeing Josh Willingham homer off Ricky Nolasco deep to left in his very first at-bat of spring. There was also the thrill of watching Ryan Zimmerman absolutely crush a solo homer of his own off Florida's Chris Leroux. But the highlight of this beautiful and sunny day in Viera, Florida was a loud, funny and totally into his job--Young Beer Vendor.

All game long this 23 year old senior in college bellowed out each and every phrase. Was he EVER LOUD:

"GET YOUR COLD BEER!!"

"BEER HERE!!"

"THE LADIES KNOW WHAT THEY WANT AND I GOT IT!!"

And our personal favorite line: "YOU DRAFT BEER DRINKERS DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING BY NOT GOING TO THE BOTTLE!!"

It didn't matter where this Communications Major was located inside Space Coast Stadium--everyone could hear him. EVERYONE. There was even this point later in the game when--just as Washington's Doug Slaten is about to throw a pitch in a sacrifice situation--The Marlins' batter pulled back his bat for called strike one when The Young Beer Vendor shouted out his latest call. What made the whole scene better--The Young Beer Vendor was nowhere near home plate.

Funny!! That's Funny!!

A couple of retired folks sitting near us were really enjoying his banter and kept on ordering from this guy all afternoon and getting deep into conversation--and tipping him well. The Young Beer Vendor was the most pleasant guy--telling the retired folks he was using this job on the side to pay for his college expenses.

Good for him and many thanks to The Young Beer Vendor for making today's blowout more entertaining.

Final score from Space Coast Stadium where Scott Olsen struggled in his first outing since surgery in 2009 but Tyler Clippard was nothing short of SHARP--striking out three of the four hitters he faced on the mound--The Florida Marlins 11 and Our Washington Nationals 2. Washington's seventh straight loss to open the spring season was similar to most all that came before--pitching early in camp has not been up to par and an early deficit could not be overcome. But, The Young Beer Vendor saved the day by providing as much entertainment by a hawker of goods in the stands at a baseball game as anyone we have ever seen.

He was just a joy to watch in person. Everyone in the stands was in stitches over his game-long commentary.

All Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved