Beltran Perez

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On one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL SUNSET EVENINGS of any Washington Nationals game played at RFK Stadium, Rookie Pitcher, Beltran Perez, making his very first Major League Start, shutdown the Atlanta Braves for 6 solid shutout innings, allowing just one hit, walking no one, striking out three Atlanta batters. The Lanky Perez was on the top of his game. And, since jumping up from AA Harrisburg when called up in September by the Nats, had a HUGE advantage tonight against a good Braves hitting team that had never seen him pitch.

Throwing fastballs in the low 90's, changeup in the mid-80's, slider near 90MPH, Beltran had Atlanta hitters totally off balance. Perez threw just 70 pitches, 40 for strikes, only Chipper Jones solving his magic tonight, singling sharply to right field in the very first inning. No one else from Atlanta came close to a hit. Andruw Jones, flying out twice facing Beltran tonight.


Solid hitting from Washington tonight, helped to give Perez his very first Major League Win. Every starter in the field, except Felipe Lopez, got hits. 7 starters had RBI's tonight. Ryan Zimmerman, breaking out of a mini slump with 2 hits, one, a run scoring double for his 98th RBI. Birthday Boy, Nick Johnson ripped a line drive home run off Atlanta Starter, Chuck James in the second inning. Later, Johnson would single and walk, scoring three runs tonight. It was announced on the Stadium Scoreboard that Johnson was just the 2nd player for the Monteal/Washington Franchise in the past 18 seasons to HOMER ON HIS BIRTHDAY. Even Jose Vidro showed some power, blasting a James first pitch fastball deep to left field, the ball bouncing off the ChevyFirst.com sign above the Atlanta bullpen for a two run shot in the 5th.

After swinging at absolutely everything, and NatsDelNegro commmenting "I mean every single pitch" , and striking out 3 consecutive times, Alfonso Soriano began to right his slumping bat, with a solid first pitch double down the right field line in the 7th, scoring Brandon Harper and Nook Logan for the final 2 runs of the evening. Harper continued to show some decent talent, getting the catching start tonight. Knocking in one run on a sacrifice fly, and scoring that one run. Nook Logan also knock in a run, with a seeing eye single through the hole between first and second, also in the 7th.

This game was NEVER in doubt, the Nats well ahead throughout the night. A rare uneventful win for the Washington Nationals. Saul Rivera and Ryan Wagner each gave up one run apiece in the 7th and 8th, respectively. Jason Bergmann finished off the game in the 9th.

Curly W number 66 was all about Beltran Perez. Many considered Perez the best Minor League Pitcher for the Nationals this season. The 24 year old righthander finished 8-6 with an ERA of 3.11 in 31 games for Harrisburg. 16 of those appearances were starts. Beltran striking out 107 AA batters in 121 innings, and giving up just 40 walks--8 home runs. Since his promotion to the Major League Nationals, Perez had made 5 previous appearances, giving up just one run in 5.2 innings. With all the problems the Nats have had with their poor starting pitching, there was no reason not to give the young man his chance. Its just one start, but it was an impressive one. A good start that the Nationals need badly. I was sort of shocked to see Frank Robinson take him out of the game after 6 innings, he was completely in control. Andy, sitting in front of me, noted that Beltran had only thrown 70 pitches at that time. We were up 6-0. Why not let him hang in their for a few more hitters.

Our only conclusion, was that Frank wanted him to go out of the game untouched and confident. Too bad the crowd on 20,596 didn't get a opportunity to give Number 54 a standing ovation, when taken out, as Beltran was pinch hit for in the bottom of the sixth, never to reappear on the field tonight.

Section 320 had a couple of courtesy seats in Section 214, directly behind home plate, many regulars in our section trading off sitting in a new spot, just to try it out. MickNats reported, the very first time he started the HEH-HO Vidro chant, some guy right in front of him, complained that he could not have a conversation, please be quiet!! KentuckyRob noted that since those seats are in the bottom of the bowl, with so many people around you, it was virtually impossible to pick up any individual cheers, just constant noise. Although NatsDelNegro, sitting in Section 214 and me in Section 320 coordinated a PERFECT Alfonso!!SORIANO!! cheer in the 7th when Alfonso doubled home the final runs. We all agreed, its alot more fun right where we are--Section 320.

Sorry to keep this writing short tonight, I am once again off to Florida to cover the latest problems with Space Shuttle Atlantis returning home. Leaving in just a couple of hours. Unfortunately, I will probably not be able to blog, but will be able to watch tomorrow night Braves finale at RFK on my computer.

Andruw Makes It Official, Ward Adds The Frosting

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As Biff so eloquently stated after tonight's Nationals 6-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves at RFK Stadium: "This game should have remained a rain out!!" No better words spoken about this one. A fairly dreary game, rescheduled from a late April rainout. And, not many decided to show up, at that--25,211 announced. You had to laugh at that number, certaintly less than 8,000 DIEHARDS actually in the Stadium. Just about EVERYONE could be heard, around the park tonight.

Andruw Jones continued to POUND the Nationals. Every single time the Braves come to town, Jones seems to hit one out. I've always said, any Braves/Nats Game is not OFFICIAL until Andruw smacks one out. Jones making this one official in the 6th, Lofting a Tony Armas off speed pitch high and deep to left field. Alfonso Soriano watching it, landing in the Mezzanine, M-35, just below Section 436. A fan making a nice basket catch of the home run. That 2 run homer the decisive go ahead runs, making the score 3-1 Bravos at that time. Karen, NATS320 Season Ticket Holder, in the group from Andrews Air Force Base, that shares tickets, sitting right to my left, was on board, once again to she her beloved Braves. Cheering madly over Andruw's shot, but very disappointed that, her love, Chipper Jones, was sitting tonight.

Recently traded and top Pinch Hitter, Daryle Ward, came to the plate in the top of the 8th with 2 runners on against the struggling Brett Campbell. I called Section 468, rightfield upper deck, toward the line for a HOME RUN. Ward did his best, drilling an 0-2, That's RIGHT--Zero and Two Count Fastball over the right field wall, hitting the Washington Hall of Stars Sign, just below Section 465. I WAS CLOSE!!! That 3 run homer putting the game out of reach 6-1, Ward celebrating TRIUMPHANTLY with his Atlanta Teammates---moving down the receiving line, at the top of the Visitors Dugout, slapping high fives in Grand Fashion. I like Daryle Ward, he was a fine edition for our sorrowful team this year, just wish he didn't put the Homer in OUR FACE SO BADLY. Ward had received a nice ovation upon stepping to the plate, before that At-Bat. You could tell that many Nats fans did not take that Celebration Well--including me.

Really not much else happened. Tony Armas, Jr. pitched OK, making it to the 7th inning, going 6.2, giving up 3 runs, 3 walks and that Andruw Jones Home Run. The best Tony has pitched in some time. Unfortunately, it was on a night the Nationals could do nothing against Braves Starter, Kyle Davies, and 3 Atlanta Relievers. Washington only managing 7 hits, none for extra bases.
The Nats lineup looking a little like a Spring Training Game. Robert Fick catching, in place of the hot hitting Brian Schneider. Ryan Zimmerman getting a deserved break, after struggling over the past week. Replaced by Melvin Dorta. Dorta coming up once with the Base Loaded, failing and later with 2 runners on, killing another rally. Dorta, pretty much the Goat tonight, with a fine assist from FLop.

Felipe Lopez came up with the bases loaded in the 7th, 2 outs, with struggling Atlanta reliever, Oscar Villareal on the mound. Villarreall, having given up a drag bunt single to Nook Logan, got Dorta to force out Nook on a grounder, Dorta safe at first. Pinch Hitter Ryan Church infield single up the middle and Alfonso Soriano, patient at the plate for the first time in nearly 2 weeks, walked to load um up.

Flop, hitting from the leftside, swung at everything. Striking out badly to end the Nats LAST REAL THREAT!! Me yelling at FLop, as usual. Logan would have the defensive play of the game, diving to his left, in the 8th on a sinking liner hit by Willy Aybar. Nook sprawling out across the centerfield grass to make a fine catch. Earlier, in the 5th, Austin Kearns made a fine leaping snare of a Marcus Giles liner to right. Kearns falling to the ground, face first after the jumping catch. Just about the only excitement on the field tonight for the home crowd.

Most of the fun in this game, came off the field, as Screech, Once Again, as has become the common practice at ALL NATS HOME GAMES, begins the evening visiting Section 320 right as the first pitch commences. Alfonso Soriano's 2 daughters and son, sitting to our right, getting a BIG KICK out of SCREECH. Screech stopping to stand on the railing, pointing at them, to their great enjoyment.

SenatorNat was in the house tonight, visiting Section 320. SenatorNat's Synapses twirling his mind around, sending out one witicism after another. MickNats and I couldn't help ourselves, getting SenatorNat to rekindle his finest story---How Mr. Ed, the Horse from the famous TV show and Ava Gabor from the 60's TV Show, Green Acres, should have been paired together in their own PROGRAM. What this has to do with baseball, is absolutely NOTHING. But the way SenatorNats spills it out, in great description, is FUNNY TO NO END!! MickNats and I just can't get enough of it. Drop by Section 320 to hear the full story--just can't write about it, in full details.

As the already small crowd dwindled even more, especially after Ward's 3 run blast, there were a group of maybe college age or a few years older ladies, sitting to our left, across the tunnel next to Section 320. One blonde, in particular, was TRASHED!! So drunk, I am sure she will never remember this evening. This young lady, just kept on chanting, cheering, banging her seat, and yelling some of the most incoherent stuff you could ever hear at RFK. NO ONE, sitting more than 10 feet away from her, could understand ANYTHING she squeeled out. The African Queen shaking her head in disgust.

It got to a point where the left side end of the Nats Dugout had players peeking a look, interested in seeing who was making all this noise. Using a phrase, uttered by MICKNATS earlier this year at another drunken fan, I yelled out to the BLONDE, "Yeah, I REMEMBER MY FIRST BEER!!" The 2 CSC Security Guards, standing in the tunnel next to me laughed mightily. One coming up to me after to game to shake my hand over the comment. That girl did not shut up until the final out was recorded. I wonder whether she will have even a voice tomorrow.

There really wasn't much else to say about this one. Soriano continues to struggle at the plate. His last at-bat, full count walk, maybe helping to get his bat jump started again tomorrow. I am always surprised how, after a Nats player has a hot couple of games, but is not a regular, Franks sits that player down. Doing so again tonight, when Bernie Castro was benched, after, two of his finest games in the Majors. You got to wonder about that?? Any Comments Frank???

Hoping Game Two of this 3 game set, does NOT BECOME OFFICIAL--Jones doesn't hit one out. And, the next time Daryle Ward comes to the plate, I will not be so respectful for this former NAT!!

Speed Is The Name Of The Game

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Since the All-Star Break, the Washington Nationals have hit over .270 as a team, compared to .247 before the break. Our Nats can score runs, but poor pitching has buried the team in the standings. And, as the 2006 season nears its closure, Washington has added an entirely new dimension--SPEED to its arsenal. Speed on the basepath. Speed in the field.

During the 2005 Inaugural Season, The Washington Nationals where a base to base team. They had no speed. The Inuagural Nats stole just 45 bases, and got thrown out stealing--45 times. Jamey Carroll was their fastest runner and he only stole 3 bases in 7 attempts. Many times, the 2005 Nationals could not reach difficult hits into the gap, or grounders into the holes of the infield. 2006 is far different. With just 2 weeks remaining in the season, Washington has stolen 110 bases and been thrown out 57 times. Significantly better than last year. Alfonso Soriano was the catalyst for the speed change this year. But, when Felipe Lopez (who I still believe is a terrible fielder) joined the team in July after the big trade with Cincinnati, the Nats where able to put game changing speed at the top of their batting order. Later, Bernie Castro was called up from New Orleans, showing tremendous speed and range, in the field at second baase. Finally, Nook Logan was acquired from Detroit, to provide outfield agility. Logan has a terrific loping stride, moves effortlessly. Personally, I would love to see a footrace between Castro and Logan, it would be fantastic!! Soriano, Castro and Logan have far reaching range. Plays that Wilkerson, Vidro, Church and Preston Wilson, could not retrieve last season, are outs with these 3 in the game this year.

That new found tool, speed, directly led to today's 6-1 dismantling of the Milwaukee Brewers. A game that saw Brew Crew Starter, Doug Davis, pitch a perfect game into the 5th inning. A game that saw Bernie Castro score after beating out an infield single that travelled all of 50 feet, scoring from second on a blop that landed 5 feet from a fielder and, later on, score from first on, basically, a routine single to right. Nook Logan continuing that speed show with a 30 foot bunt--running safely to first. Finally, the bullpen was great, Nats reliever Chris Shroeder would strike out all six hitters he faced over 2 innings. Looking invincible, totally unhittable today. In fact, the Nats bullpen throwing 5 No Hit innings.

All this occured on the African Queen's Birthday. A Birthday Screech stopped by to celebrate with his new found GIRLFRIEND!! And, on the day the Washington Nationals celebrated Sohna's Favorite Player, Alfonso Soriano, reaching the elusive 40/40 Club.

This days' festivities started off when Owner Mark Lerner and Team President, Stan Kasten, presented Alfonso with a Commemorative Plaque near Home Plate for his historic achievement. The Video board in right field, playing a 3 minute Soriano Highlight reel. Soriano grinning with Frank Robinson, awaiting to jog onto the field to receive the award. THE RFK FAITHFUL cheering wildly, standing ovation for Number 12. Soriano, all smiles, appreciative of the honor. Soriano gave Stan Kasten a nice High Five while both walked back to the Nats third base dugout after the brief ceremony.


As the game began, Screech made his first of 2 appearances in Section 320, stopping in to hug, smooch and help sing "Happy Birthday" to the African Queen. Sohna unaware that Screech knew of her BIG DAY!! I think Screech would have taken her home today, if I allowed it. Screech then, quickly, getting "down in front".


Both starters today, pitched well. Davis throwing a perfect game through 4.1 innings. Mike O'Connor, barely reaching 83MPH on any pitch, yet somehow hanging in there. In the second inning, O'Connor would hit Prince Fielder with a pitch. Kevin Mench would follow with a single to center. Still no outs. David Bell would hit a routine ball to Ryan Zimmerman at third. Z, slumping of late, tried to turn a double play, and threw wildly to second, bringing Castro off the base. All runners safe. Bases Loaded, No outs. Zimmerman just doesn't look right these days. Maybe the long first season is beginning to wear him down.

Brewers Catcher, Damian Miller, would follow with a deep enough fly to Austin Kearns to sacrifice Fielder home. 1-0 Milwaukee. O'Connor would get out of the jam when Davis laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Bell to second, and Brady Clark flied to center to end the threat.

Then, nothing for the next 3 innings. Schroeder would come on to replace O'Connor in the top of the 5th, and strike out the side for the first time tonight. In the bottom half, Zimmerman would fly out to center for out number 1. The Sunday Crowd, really not into this one. Alot of kids for the Sunday, "Build A Bear Giveaway". I mention to RallyTimeRichard that, "You know, if Davis is pitching a perfect game after 8 complete, I am going to want to see that perfect game!!"


Well, my Perfect Game hope didn't last long, as Austin Kearns stepped to the plate, and on a 2-2 count, ended the PERFECT GAME, NO HITTER and SHUTOUT by blasting a line drive HOME RUN over the left field wall, near the foul pole. Tying the game at 1 and giving RFK a legitimate reason to rock. 1-1 after Davis recovers to retire Jose Vidro and Brandon Harper. Vidro, playing first base today, as Frank Robinson decided to rest the slumping Nick Johnson.

Schroeder would again strike out the side in the 6th and leave to a ROUSING standing ovation from the crowd on the 3rd base side. Schroeder tipping his cap as he dropped down into the dugout. Neither team could cobble together anything significant in the bottom of the sixth and top of the 7th. But, in the bottom half of the seventh inning, that new found speed worked to Washington's favor.


Bernie Castro, would slap a grounder to the right of Prince Fielder, the ball not even reaching the infield dirt. Fielder made an attempt on the ball, tossing it to Doug Davis covering. "Speedy Gonzalez" motoring all the way, JUST beat the foot touch of the bag by Davis. Castro safe on an infield single. Aaron, sitting to my left, said "Wow--Can that guy run!!" Me saying "You should have seen him last night on 2 triples, incredible speed!!"

Felipe Lopez would sacrifice him to second. I told Aaron, all we need now, is any type of blooper over a fielder and Castro scores easily. Sure enough, after Z goes down on strikes on a pitch he thought was ball four, Kearns would follow with a first pitch bloop JUST OVER Prince Fielder's head, the ball landing just a few feet from his feet. Castro, charging hard, had already just about reached home, by the time the ball landed on the turf. It was INCREDIBLE!! Section 320 in total amazement over this guy's running ability. Castro can flat out RUN!!! The Crowd going NUTS over this score. Nats take the lead 2-1 after 7.

Jon Rauch replaced Rivera to start the 8th. Rauch was shaky at first, walking Damian Miller leading off the inning. Brewers Manager, Ned Yost, would send Pinch Hitter, Geoff Jenkins, up to pinch hit for Doug Davis. Jenkins, he of 2 homers on Friday Night. At the same time, Yost would send in speedster, Tony Gwynn, Jr. to pinch run for Miller. Jenkins, looking to jack the ball out of the park, popped a ball toward the Nats 3rd base dugout. Brandon Harper, today's catcher, would chase it down, near the dugout railing. Take one step backwards and make a fine two hand grab to retire Jenkins for out number 1. Brady Clark was next. And, on the very first pitch from Rauch, Gwynn, Jr. took off--Rauch throws an off speed pitch over the outside corner of the plate. Harper looking to throw out Gwynn, Jr, reaches out to catch the pitch. Clark lunges and SWINGS at the pitch, just missing Harper's glove (hitting Harper's glove would have been catcher's interference--a rule book single wih all runners advancing one base). Clark lined the ball to short right field. Kearns, playing in, didn't seem to track the ball well, yet recovered to make the catch---Gwynn, Jr now near second base, reversing course, and hightailing it back to first. Taking his time, Austin short arms the ball, on the run to first to just retire Gwynn. Double Play to end the inning. As KentuckyRob noted--"Austin was playing in, almost still didn't get there, and then didn't seem ready to throw the ball to first--very strange" And, it was. But, it ended the Brewers opportunity to tie the score, setting up the fine bottom of the 8th for the Nationals. Speed, once again the major factor.


One time Brewers Closer, and All Star, Derrick Turnbow, was now on the mound for Milwaukee. Long, 1970's thick styled hairdoo, short from the set position delivery, this guy can hum the ball. Over the next 13 pitches thrown by Turnbow, NONE would rate less than 95MPH on the radar gun. One pitch fired in at 99MPH. For a guy with a short stride, the man can FIRE THE BALL!!! RallyTimeRichard, KentuckyRob, Aaron and I could not stop talking about it. Of course, we learned very quickly why he has such a high ERA--No control, and everything looks the same.

Harper was first up for Washington. Brandon looking lost against Turnbow, down 1-2 in the count. Derrick would fire in another heater, and Harper swung fooled, only the speed of the ball hitting bat helped Brandon, as the ball was lined into left for a leadoff single. We all laughed mightily in Section 320. Nook Logan was next and bunted just to the left of Turnbow. Logan, all speed, easily ran to the bag for an infield single. Harper moving to second. Nick Johnson, now in the game as a defensive substitute for Vidro, was up next and K's swinging hard at a 96MPH fastball from Turnbow. Nick just overmatched.
Soriano was next and, once again, THE PERFECT STORM was set. Freewheeling Fastball Pitcher against the BEST Fastball Hitter in the game. The Brewers realized this and Turnbow plunked Alfonso with the very first pitch-loading the bases with 1 out. KentuckyRob looking at me, saying "The Brewers recognized that PERFECT STORM and didn't want any part of it."

Bernie Castro was next, resulting in the Controversial Play Of The Game. Castro looked overmatched with Turnbow. Swinging madly at strike one. On the very next pitch, Bernie would slap a grounder to Bill Hall at shortstop. Hall, fearing that he could not turn a double play to second on to first, to end the inning, double clutched, and then fired home, in an attempt to beat the charging Harper. The ball sailed high, but new catcher, Mike Rivera, jumped high to catch the errant toss, and seemed to land right back down on the plate with his left foot, beating the sliding Harper. Home Plate Umpire, Doug Eddings called Brandon SAFE!!!! TV replays showed Rivera coming down on the plate for the out. Although a nice photo from Mrs. MICKNATS showed Rivera landed inches to the right of home plate. Safe was the correct call. Ned Yost came out to argue, but to no avail. 3-1 Nats.

Felipe Lopez would then face new Milwaukee pitcher, Dennis Sarfate, and hammer the second pitch of this at bat to right field, near the line, but not anywhere near past rightfielder Corey Hart. Nook Logan and Soriano score easily, but Castro, flat out tearing it up, would take a HUGE TURN around second base, footprints showing his oval near the rear part of the shortstops set position. As Castro neared 3rd base, Hart had the ball in his hands and was ready to fire it back into the infield. Nats 3rd base coach, Tony Beasley, put up the STOP SIGN. Last night, Beasley held back Castro on a sure INSIDE THE PARK HOMERUN. Bernie was having none of that today, running right through the stop sign, putting the hammer down--scoring easily from first on a liner to right!! It was a magnificent run. JUST MAGNIFICENT!!! Section 320 downright giddy over what we just witnessed. The RFK STADIUM Crowd of 26,128 roaring its approval.

Speed was, once again, the deciding factor. Speed--The Game Changer Today!! 6-1 Nats, and this game was OVER!!!

Ryan Wagner would retire the Brewers in order in the 9th. Curly W number 65 for Washington. Another Series Victory for the Nationals. And more importantly--after starting the season 1-9 at home, the Nationals have won 37 and lost only 25 since. The Nats have learned to play at RFK Stadium. Alfonso Soriano taught them that you can hit home runs there. And, the players have learned, hitting into the gap goes along way to scoring alot of runs in this cavernous stadium.

Alfonso Soriano continues to press, with his entire family in town for the momentous occasion. He needs to settle down a little. Sohna's main main is swinging at EVERYTHING!! Z looks tired. But, the relief pitching from Wagner, Rivera, Rauch, Cordero and now Schroeder has been impressive. And, that SPEED, that SPEED has changed the dynamic of the team. Our Washington Nationals can score runs without what Aaron describes so perfectly by "not doing anything substantial baseballwise!!"

Its totally true. If we only had some starting pitching, we might be decent. Maybe not championship caliber, but good. Its a start.

Historic Night, Great Win, Section 320 Rocking!!

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Baseball history was made tonight at RFK when our Washington Nationals pulled out an exciting 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. A night that saw Section 320 in PRIME FORM. Tonight, joined, in chorus, by Alfonso Soriano's Family and Friends, sitting directly to our right.


Alfonso Soriano is on the brink on having one of the finest years of any player in Major League Baseball. Already, Alfonso has slugged 45 Home Runs, Scored 111 Runs, Hit 38 Doubles and 350 total bases. Oh yeah, he's thrown out 21 baserunners from left field in 2006. A Career Year for Washington's FINEST Player.


Tonight, he wanted to reach an elusive milestone, 40 Home Runs and 40 Steals. Coming into tonight's game, Soriano was sitting on 39 steals, and pressing badly over the past few games, attempting to reach that mark. In 2002, with the New York Yankees, Soriano had stolen his 40th base with 5 games left to play, but had hit only 39 Home Runs. He admitted he was thinking about the 40/40 club then too much. It hurt him, as he swung at everything, trying to jack the ball out of the park, failing to hit his 40th Home Run that year for the Yankees. Alfonso always saying it was the biggest disappointment in his career.

As Alfonso stepped to the plate leading off the bottom of the first, Section 320, STRONG tonight with MickNats, African Queen, SayHeyKlib, NatsDelNegro, KentuckyRob, MsZimmi, Shawn and Myself in attendance, went into the Alfonso! SORIANO!! cheer--TO BE ACCOMPIANED BY ALFONSO'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WAVING 2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FLAGS, sitting to our right in Section 320 and the left portion of Section 319. The combined troops Bellowing Out SO MUCH NOISE, everyone sitting on the 3rd base side of RFK turned to look. Felipe Lopez, in the On Deck circle, turning to peek while twirling his bat.

Soriano looking to get the record over with, came up swinging at everything against Brewers Starter, Dave Bush. Alfonso taking strike one, fouling off the second pitch, then on the third pitch of this at bat, rope an off speed pitch to left, a clean single. The 24, 252 erupting, now anticipating the record setting steal. It didn't take Alfonso long, as FLop would get ahead 2-0 in the count, on the very next pitch, Soriano took off for 2nd, the RFK CROWD rose to its feet in anticipation. Brewers catcher, Mike Rivera, couldn't come up with a throw, Soriano sliding, hands/head first into the bag, sitting up on his knees, knowing that HISTORY HAD JUST BEEN MADE--And a BROAD SMILE glistened across his face. RFK began to Rock. Section 320 going into the Alfonso!! SORIANO!! CHANT. Alfonso's Family going DOWNRIGHT NUTS!! Flags Waving, JUMPING UP AND DOWN!! Standing Ovation for Number 12.

Soriano would point to his teammates in the 3rd base dugout, thanking them for their support. He would then, stand up, pull up the bag and hold second base in TRIUMPH!! While holding the base in his right hand, he would slap his head, a personal thanks, to himself, for achieving this fine goal. A goal only reached by 3 other players. Finally he would hand over the base to the Nats Bat Boy for safe keeping, then took off his batting helmet, waving and acknowleging the RFK FAITHFUL. Soriano's uniform taken by the Baseball Hall Of Fame, immediately after the game. It was a very fine moment. I was glad it occured at Home in Washington, in front of the fans that have SUPPORTED SORIANO ALL SEASON LONG. We deserved the opportunity to see this moment. Thank you--Alfonso Soriano.


All this totally, for a time, superceded, all that was important to the actual playing of the game. The Brewers had jumped on Nats Starter Pedro Astacio, big time, in the top of the first when Tony Graffanino would receive a 1 out walk, and Prince Fielder followed with a MONSTER JACK!! into the 6th row of Section 467 in Right Field. Fielder hammered it. The ball flying majestically into the upper deck. You had to appreciate the POWER!! 2-0 Milwaukee right off the bat.


But Washington would strike back right away in the bottom, with Soriano now on second with the record setting steal, Lopez would reach on a infield single to 3rd. Ryan Zimmerman would ground into a force, putting Lopez out at second, Z beating the relay to first for the double play. Alfonso moving to 3rd. Z would steal second with Nick Johnson at the plate, Johnson grounding to second, scoring Soriano, moving Z to 3rd. Austin Kearns, swinging mightily, as always, hit a dribbler up the middle that Graffanino had no play on. Zimmerman scored. 2-2. Brian Schnieder, hot of late, followed and hammered a double to the wall in right, scoring Kearns, and just like that, Washington had fought back, to take the lead. 3-2. Bernie Castro would line a sharp liner to Bill Hall at short to end the rally. But that liner, was telling of what Castro would provide later in the game. Bernie the sparkplug that kept the Nats ahead throughout this exciting game.

Astacio would give up the lead right away in the top of the 3rd, as Corey Hart would single and David Bell would hammer a double to the left centerfield wall. Soriano double clutched on the throw to Lopez, the relay man. Lopez made a strong throw to the plate, just missing Hart. If Soriano just throws the ball right away, Corey may well have been out at the plate. FLop's throw was terrific.


But the Nationals would score right back, most believing this game would be one of those 15-13, last at bat is going to win games. Nook Logan would drag bunt, leading off the 3rd, no one covered first. Nook advancing to second on an Astacio sacrifice. Then, taking a page out of the Alfonso Soriano Game Changer Book, took off for 3rd, stealing. Rivera threw the ball into left field. What was really funny about it all, as MickNats and I laughed about it after the fact, was that Logan, confident in his speed, made no rush to get up after sliding into 3rd. Number 7 calmly stood up and loped home. Beating the good throw from Corey Hart in left. 4-3 Nats after 3.

Despite being shaky early, Astacio righted himself, getting the Brewers in order in the 4th. Then Brian Schneider lined a beautiful opposite field single to left, leading off the bottom of the 4th off Bush. Castro followed, and the fun began. On a 2-1 count, and Schneider running on the play, Bernie would slap a hard liner to right center, the ball getting past Tony Gwynn, Jr. Schneider at first stopped at second, then kept on running. Castro, once he gets started, can FLAT OUT FLY!! If there is someone that could churn up dust behind him, its Bernie Castro. "Speedy Gonzalez", as I call him, motored around first, then to second, Gwynn just picking up the ball. Everyone in the park, wanted to see an INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN. Third Base Coach, Tony Beasley held him at 3rd, to the great disappointment of just about EVERYONE AT RFK!! Beasley should have sent him, as after Astacio was hit by pitch, Soriano, Lopez and Z all created outs to kill the rally. 5-3 after 4 innings.

Astacio would get through the 5th, in order. Chris Spurling, now pitching for Milwaukee-retired the Nats in order. But, in the 6th, Pedro would get in trouble and not make it out of the inning. Graffanino would single to center leading off. Fielder up next. The Nats shading to right for the pull hitter. Prince would slap a hard grounder right at FLop stationed just left of the second base bag. Lopez dropped the grounder, recovered, stepped on 2nd to retire Graffanino, then hurried his throw bouncing it to Nick Johnson, attempting to scoop the ball at first. Johnson missing. Fielder safe. Felipe had time, he forced it a little.

When you make a mistake, it most always comes back to haunt you. And it happened in the 6th. Last night's Brewers Hero, Geoff Jenkins would single to right, moving Fielder to second. Astacio obviously in trouble, but Frank Robinson not making the pitching change. Ryan Wagner warming up. On the very next pitch, Corey Hart would loop a single to right, scoring Fielder. Making the score 5-4. And then, Frank Robinson comes to take Astacio out of the game. One hitter too late.

Wagner, facing David Bell, would take a liner right off his right foot, the ball bouncing to Zimmerman for a THANKFUL inning ending out. That ball would have gone right up the middle and tie the game. The Nats were FORTUNATE!!!

The 7th was excruciatingly painful for Washington Fans. Saul Rivera was on the mound, and didn't have it from the start. Going deep into the count on all hitters faced. Mike Rivera, leadoff walk for Milwaukee. Brady Clark sacrifice to second. Then with 2 outs, Saul Rivera hits Graffanino. Prince Fielder walks, loading the bases. Frank had finally seen enough, bringing on THE WOOKIE, Jon Rauch. Bases Loaded, game on the line--Rauch known for giving up HOME RUNS. Didn't look promising. Bill Hall at the plate, 31 homers this season. Hall got ahead 2-1 in the count, looking for something to smash. Hall would get that pitch and lace a grounder between 3rd and short. Zimmerman, dove, extending his glove hand, to snare the ball, got to his knees and threw to Castro at second, just in time, for the inning ending out. AN OUTSTANDING PLAY--saving Rauch and the Nationals. Ryan receiving a standing ovation coming off the field.

Then came the game changing moments, the bottom of the 7th determined the outcome of this affair. With hard throwing right hander, Jose Capellan on the mound for the Brew Crew. Capellan can reach the high 90's with his fastball. With one out, Zimmerman would line a looper to deep left, near the line. Corey Hart attempted a diving catch--missing, the ball rolling all the way to the wall. Zimmerman, seeing the play develop rounding first, went full steam ahead, storming around second, sliding headfirst into 3rd for his third triple of the season. Nick Johnson was intentionally walked. Austin Kearns followed and, once again, swung mightily at a Capellan pitch, only to loop a liner to left, beyond the reach of Hart. Zimmerman scored. Johnson to third, Kearns just beating a throw to second for a RBI double. 6-4 Nats. And the crowd was jumping. Brewers Manager Ned Yost would bring on left hander sidearm pitcher, Brian Shouse, to face Schneider. Schneiderman, swinging the bat well, would line a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Nick Johnson. 7-4 Nats. Then, Bernie Castro came to the plate. Again slaps a liner past Tony Gwynn, Jr. Kearns scoring easily from third, but the RACE WAS ON!! Everyone at RFK wanting AGAIN, the INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN!!! CASTRO KICKING UP DUST BEHIND HIM. Bernie running is a sight to behold. There really could not be many faster players in the game. Castro rounded second, heading for 3rd. Gwynn still not picking up the ball. As Castro reached third base, Gwynn had thrown the ball, but it was still in flight, to relay man, Graffanino. GO AHEAD AND SEND HIM BEASLEY!! But, no--Castro was stopped at 3rd, to the outright disgust of all NAT FANS AT RFK. WE REALLY WANTED TO SEE IT!! Castro's second triple of the game. Once again, Bernie stranded when Nook Logan would ground out to second to end the inning. 8-4 after 7 innings.

Rauch would get through the 8th unharmed. As the game headed to the 9th, everyone fully expected The Chief, Chad Cordero to enter the game. Frank chose, FRODO, Felix Rodriguez, and as MS Zimmi, Shawn and I discussed---that just means the Chief will come in later, for the save. As all of us know, NO LEAD IS SAFE for the Washington Nationals.
Sure enough, with one out, Tony Gwynn, Jr would single to right, and although would be forced out on a grounder to 3rd by Graffanino, Graffanino would advance to second on defensive indifference, (Section 320 calling for "WE WANT THE CHIEF" ) and score run number 5 for the Brewers on Fielder's sharp ground ball single to right, just to the left of Castro, playing in short right field.

Then Frank had seen enough, and Chad Cordero entered the game. On his very first pitch, Bill Hall would loop a single down the right field line, but Austin Kearns was on it quickly, preventing Prince from scoring. But the tying run was coming to the plate in GEOFF JENKINS. I was pretty nervous, as THE CHIEF, can be downright scary. Amazingly, Jenkins swung at the very first pitch, breaking his bat, and flys out to Kearns, ending this thriller. 8-5 Nats, Save number 27 for Cordero. BANG!! ZOOM GO THE FIREWORKS!! Curly W number 64 for our Washington Nationals.

Alot happened tonight, even outside of the game. SCREECH was mighty shocked to see the first pitch of the game, and NO ONE, except for Ms Zimmi and Shawn sitting in Section 320. The African Queen and I were guests at the DIAMOND CLUB PREGAME BUFFETT, and were making our way to our seats as the game began. MickNats, and the Noise Boys were their customary fashionably late. Ms Zimmi telling me that Screech "CRIED"--rubbing his eyes upset over not seeing his Best Friend sitting in his customary seat. Later, in the top of the 7th, Screech made it back our way, as the ENTIRE SECTION yelled "SCREEEEEEEEEEECH!!" As Screech attempted to reach me at my seat he was inundated with about 20 kids trying to grab him for pictures. It got so bad, he had to call on one of the NatPack to help him out. Sorry Screech. But, he eventually made it to my seat, me explaining that really weren't late, Screech getting a kick out of the fact Sohna and I were hanging out in the Diamond Club!

Ms Zimmi, who sits behind Sohna in Row 5, seat 13, realized that, even when she is not in attendance, she is represented by either MickNats or Myself yelling out, to HER MAIN MAN--RYAN ZIMMERMAN-"COME ON ZIMMI!!" In her voice!! We kid because we love!!! Mick, The African Queen and I, just can't get enough of that yell.

Its safe to say, that by the end of the game, Section 320 had the ENTIRE 3rd base side crowd involved in the game. One of the Ushers, that sits directly behind the Nats 3rd base dugout, that loves the Soriano Cheer, told Sohna after the game, that EVERYONE down low was involved in the Alfonso Cheer!!!

Tonight was a terrific, fun night at the old ball park. Soriano made the highlight reels by making history. Maybe he will get hot and slam 50 homers by the end of the season. The Nats won a fun ballgame. And, as always, win or lose--Section 320 was THE PLACE TO BE TONIGHT, JUST LIKE IN MOST EVERY NATIONALS GAME AT RFK STADIUM!!!

At Least It Was Interesting At The End

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Our Washington Nationals played the Milwaukee Brewers for 2 hours and 46 minutes tonight at RFK Stadium, opening up the penultimate home stand of the season. And, it was forgettable, except for the final 10 minutes.



Only 21,168 showed up for this one, played in off and on rain. Both teams sleepwalking through the affair. The intrigue of former National, Tomo Ohka, getting the start for the Brewers, was taken away in the top of the third inning when Ohka pulled up lame attempting to beat out an infield hit. Believe it or not, that was the downfall for Washington tonight. As rookie Carlos Villanueva came on for Milwaukee pitching 6 shutout innings, before faltering in the bottom of the ninth--setting up a dramatic ending.


Ramon Ortiz, once again, did not have it tonight. Giving up the long ball twice to Brewers Slugger, Geoff Jenkins---to this point, have a very bad season. Prince Fielder had doubled leading off the top of the second on a deep fly to right center, that Ryan Church, playing right field tonight, just flat out missed on the warning track. Church seemed to fear hitting the wall. It was the harbinger of things to come as Church had a very poor game. Jenkins would follow with a lofting fly ball, to nearly the exact same spot, Church trying to jump up on the fence to catch it, the ball just sneaking over the wall for a 2 run homer. Making the score 2-1 Brewers after the Nats had scored 1 run in the bottom of the 1st on a Alfonso Soriano walk, move to second on a bad pickoff throw, Flop single and Ryan Zimmerman Double Play grounder scoring Alfonso.



Ortiz would continue to get hammered. At one point the Pitch Tally down the right field line noted that Ramon had thrown 49 pitches, 38 for strikes, but all those strikes were hits or foul balls. Ortiz not fooling anybody tonight. In the 5th, Jenkins would HAMMER a 2-2 fastball to left centerfield, the ball carrying well, just clearing the wall, slamming against the green background for his second home run tonight. 3-1 Brew Crew. As Ramon tends to do, after giving up a homer, he allows more baserunners, this time Jeff Cirillo doubled down the left field line. Ortiz hit Milwaukee Catcher Mike Rivera right on his left elbow. He went down right away in pain. After about 5 minutes, Rivera jogged to first. Villanueva was next, everyone expecting a bunt, the infield moving in, Villanueva squared to bunt, Ortiz threw him a fastball, right over the plate, Carlos quickly drew the bat back and slapped the pitch past Ryan Zimmerman down the line for a run scoring single. Rivera to 3rd. Tony Gwynn would sacrifice fly home Rivera. It was 5-1 and this one looked over.

For the most part, it was. There was NO ACTION for the remainder of the game until the bottom of the ninth. At one point, MickNats and I got a bunch of folks to chant "WE WANT A HIT, WE WANT A HIT" over and over--then I followed it up with: "AND HOW ABOUT A STARTING PITCHER WHILE WERE AT IT!!' To some nice laughs from around Section 320.

Villanueva kept on mowing down the Nats giving up NO HITS and NO WALKS through 6 complete relief innings. Chris Shroeder, Chris Booker and Brett Campbell giving up NO HIT and NO WALKS in 4 complete innings of relief for Washington. This game had NOTHING GOING ON!! NOTHING!!

Then the bottom of the 9th--Felipe Lopez led off, in a pouring rainstorm, drilling a shot down the right field line. FLop running hard all the way, standing on third with a triple. The Nats first hit off Carlos Villanueva. Zimmerman followed, lacing a grounder into the hole at short, scoring FLop, making the score 5-2 Brewers. And, it was really raining now--Hard. What was left of the crowd was on its feet, making noise. Expecting that NATS RFK COMEBACK!

Brewers Manager, Ned Yost, slowly, and I mean slowly, walked to the mound, this after his catcher, Rivera wasted as much time a possible talking to Villanueva. Milwaukee trying to get the game called for rain, with the official game score reverting to the 8th inning. Home Plate Umpire, Jim Joyce, would have no part of that--Sternly jawing it out with Yost on the mound, to get his butt moving, and bring in a reliever. Yost called in Cordero, not THE CHIEF, but Francisco Cordero, the one time Texas Rangers closer, now with the Brewers.

The Patient One, Nick Johnson, stepped to the plate, and showed no patience. Swinging at Cordero's very first pitch, driving it to left center, but well short of the wall. Corey Hart catching it for out number 1. Jose Vidro would walk on a full count.

Ryan Church was next. Tying run at the plate. Home Run a distinct possibility. As much as I like Ryan, its obvious that he has problems with curve balls. Church was swinging at everything, fouling off 2 pitches, down in the count 1-2. Everybody knew what was coming next, a curve ball in the dirt. The same pitch that EVERY TEAM IN THE MAJORS gets him out on. And, sure enough Francisco threw Ryan an outside, in the dirt slop pitch--Church swinging at it, striking out badly for out number 2. I yell out "WHAT ARE YOU SWINGING AT??" MickNats "EVERY SINGLE TIME!!, THE SAME PITCH. HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE IT COMING!!" We were pissed. It is mind boggling that Ryan can not see it coming, each and every game.

Down to our last out. 1st and 2nd. Tying run still at the plate. Brian Schneider fouls off 4 straight pitches, gets a full count. And walks to load the bases. THE CROWD ON ITS FEET, WANTING THE MIRACLE!! The African Queen saying, "Can you believe we actually might win this one??!!" I replied "It would be stealing a game--a great win"

Nook Logan was due up next. There was NO WAY the slap hitting Logan was going to bat. He's weak from the left side of the plate. Austin Kearns came on to pinch hit. Melvin Dorta on to pinch run for Schneider. Kearns would take ball one. Take ball 2--The RFK FAITHFUL ROARING NOW!!! Then foul off 5 consecutive pitches from Cordero. The rain began to subside. Brewers catcher, Rivera went to the mound, talked with Francisco. On the 7th pitch of this at bat and last pitch of the game, Cordero threw an off speed pitch low, just above the plate, Austin could not hold back his swing, striking out badly with a half swing--disappointing those still remaining on the soggy night. 5-2 the final.

Tonight's affair was forgettable, except for the bottom of the ninth. As I have said many times, you never leave any game until its over. You never know what you might see. Every team has ONE CHANCE, in every single game, no matter what the score, to get back into it. The Nats had a GREAT CHANCE--JUST DIDN'T EXECUTE in the clutch. Nick should have taken a pitch. Church had no game plan--Austin got fooled on a good slop pitch after hanging tough with 2 strikes. We lost. Nats have 2 more shots this weekend to win the series. Not much more to say about game number 147 of the 2006 season.

Why, and How, I Became a Nationals Season Ticket Holder in Section 320

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When it became official that the Montreal Expos were relocating to Washington, DC, there was only one thing on my mind. I was going to be a season ticket holder-no matter what--with GOOD SEATS.




The Washington Senators of my youth, left town after the 1971 season, moving to Arlington. Not just across the Potomac River to Arlington, Virginia, but Arlington, Texas, in the Metroplex, between Ft. Worth and Dallas. Less than 2 years later, in late 1973, I was thrilled to learn that, Joseph Danzansky, then Chairman and CEO of Giant Food, was buying the Infant San Diego Padres and moving them to Washington, to play in our Nation's Capital. The Padres coming into MLB in 1969 along with the Kansas City Royals, Seattle Pilots and THE MONTREAL EXPOS. But, just as everything was about to be signed, sealed and delivered, McDonald's Owner, Ray Kroc, swooped in, purchasing the team, leaving the Padres in San Diego. There actually is a complete Jersey and Cap Prototype existing today for the 1974 Washington "Padres". It used to sit at Giants Landover Headquarters, until Danzansky's passing. The Baseball Hall of Fame has the uniform now.



Washington, DC never really got another whiff of Major League Baseball, not in my teen years, nor my early adult life. But, during my early 20's, I was fortunate enough to be playing baseball, professionally, in ironically, the Texas Rangers Minor League System. Playing 1st base, I was a decent player, not great, excellent fielding skills, could hit, with power, but a slow runner and mediocre arm strength. Nonetheless, I was able to advance to AA Ball, was known for focusing and delivering in the clutch, until a horrific accident left me with 2 broken collarbones, separated shoulder, and no further baseball career. The Rangers released me in 1982. I loved the game, but had no future in it, so I turned my eyes to television, where I still work today, in the most enjoyable and exciting travel job imaginable. I continued to follow the game closely. Seeing many players I played with, or against in the minors, have decent, sometimes terrific Major League Careers.

As the years passed, my age advancing well into my 40's, Washington had yet to re-establish itself as a Major League Town. Yeah, there was alot of speculation and rumor. Not many people in the DC area could believe that MLB passed over Washington for TAMPA--YES--TAMPA/St.PETE in the last round of expansion teams. The Devil Rays have been terrible, both on and off the field. Tampa Bay only really qualified for a Major League team because so many other teams, most notibly-- The San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox used Tampa/St.Pete for leverage to get new stadiums in their respective cities. The State of Florida sued on behalf of the Bay area--the awarding of a team, the compromise.


And, as most people are fully aware, The Baltimore Orioles, well before Peter Angelos owned the team, catered to and eventually drew fans, lots of fans, from the Greater Washington DC market. In the early 80's, the Orioles were no longer EVER called the Baltimore Orioles. They were THE ORIOLES. The team Never again has worn "BALTIMORE" across their road jerseys. The Orioles drew 3 million fans for the first time. Mostly thanks to baseball deprived fans in DC and Northern Virginia. Around the time the Orioles last won the World Series in 1983, Edward Bennett Williams, former Washington Redskins Owner, owned the team and many, fully expected the Orioles to move from Old Memorial Stadium to DC. The State of Maryland fought it hard, using Lottery Ticket Money to eventually build Camden Yards. No one. And I mean NO ONE, could possibly be angry about that stadium being built today. Camden Yards changed the way ballparks were built. Getting away from the MULTI-PURPOSE stadium, like RFK, and getting back to traditional, baseball only, grass field parks. Helping make baseball a family event once again.



Admittedly, I was a BIG Orioles Fan. Seeing Cal Ripken jump for joy after snaring that final out of the 1983 World Series against the Phillies was a BIG MOMENT of my sports fan life. Loved Eddie Murray, John Lowenstein, Jim Palmer, Mike Flanagan, Tippy Martinez, Rick Dempsey, Jim Dwyer ( to me, the best pinch hitter/super sub of my time), even Big Tim Stoddard. Earl Weaver waddling out of the dugout, turning his cap backwards, jawing away with the Umpire--PRICELESS. So many others. The Orioles were a Professional, Proud Organization. The Oriole Way was special. And, I loved every minute of it.

The African Queen will tell you, back in 1985, when she first met me, I watched EVERY SINGLE Orioles game. Followed them closely. Loved watching, then HTS (HOME TEAM SPORTS), Orioles broadcasts with Mel Proctor, John Lowenstein and Tom Davis. I was fortunate to work Oriole games for HTS for 2 seasons. Still think it was the best baseball broadcast of its day. Lowenstein was flat out, OUT OF CONTROL FUNNY!! The most enjoyable man I ever met in the game. But, only attended, in person, about 10 games per season in Baltimore after my HTS time ended.



How can anybody not Enjoy, remembering that night in September, 1995, when Cal broke the All Time Consecutive Game Record against the Angels at Camden Yard. Always Dramatic in the clutch, Cal would homer that night and then, make a MEMORABLE jog around the field, receiving adulation from, not only the home crowd, but the entire California Angels team. Hall Of Famer, and Angels Coach, Rod Carew--giving Cal a very warm Thankful Embrace. Rafael Palmeiro pushing Cal out of the dugout to start that memorable jog around Camden Yards. Cal Ripken saved baseball that night. A night never to be forgot. Then in 1997, The Orioles were DESTINY's TEAM, the best team in baseball, sure to win the World Series, only to see Armando Benitez blow up BIG TIME in the ALCS against the Cleveland Indians. I all still pissed at Benitez to this day.




Once Angelos took control, the chances for Baseball to relocate a team here were slim and none. As the Angelos Orioles put a stranglehold on baseball in Washington and killed his own teams fan base with poor decisions, I followed the Orioles less and less, hoping that one day, ONE DAY!! My HOMETOWN would receive its deserved Major League Team. Its well documented how, really by the GRACE of GODS, the stars all aligned to, finally, relocate the Expos to Washington as THE NATIONALS.


The African Queen and I were in Santa Barbara, California when the announcement, by MLB and the DC City Council took place in late September, 2004. Sohna couldn't understand my TOTAL JOY about the moment. I picked up the USA Today newspaper and right on the front page, was a shot of Mayor Tony Williams, wearing the Curly W red cap, along with Jack Evans, with the Banner Headline: BASEBALLS BACK IN DC!! Me, jumping up and down, uncontrollably, tears steaming out of my eyes. A life long ambition was coming to fruition.

Sohna vividly remembers me showing this newspaper headline to just about anyone that would listen to me. Even went swimming in this terrific outdoor pool, right on the water, in downtown Santa Barbara, showing everyone, folks I had NEVER MET BEFORE, the headline. I was JACKED!! At dinner that night, I told Sohna that I had vowed, since my earliest adult life, to be a SEASON TICKET Holder for any Washington, DC baseball team. She thought I was crazy. Sohna also didn't know that I had been on a season ticket holder list by Washington DC Baseball for some time.

The Washington Nationals Owners, MLB, decided to hold some sort of lottery, to decide who would get the best seats at RFK Stadium. Since I was already in the original pool of season ticket wannabees, I figured that I would get great box seats. Was I ever disappointed when I was given Section 202, row 12, near the foul pole down the right field line. The Politics of Washington had come into play, and I had been trounced. Was I ever unhappy. Sohna could not believe how it affected me, I talked and moaned about it each and everyday. For 2 straight weeks, in December 2004, I went to the trailer at RFK Stadium to bitch, whine and cajol anyone that would listen to me. The former head of tickets for The Nationals, David Cope, actually, finally told me that "I was a NOBODY" I could take what was offered or nothing at all!!. I was steaming now. There was no way I would lose out to some lobbyist that does not care one IOTA about baseball.

One Ticket Rep, told me off to the side, knowing that I am in the Media, to use whatever connections I had to pull strings, so I did-right away.. It was amazing how quickly things changed. Within 5 hours of being told "I WAS A NOBODY" I received a call at home, from my ticket rep. New Seats had surprisingly come available, in Section 320, Row 4, seats 14 & 15. I quickly looked at the RFK Seating Diagram. These seats looked promising. Knowing how hot and blistering the summer heat can be in DC, I asked whether these seats were under the overhang. They were!! Finally, I asked the ticket rep, whether, by just saying yes or no, whether there had been some pressure from up above to work this out for me. He responded: "Yes, I will do anything I can to help you!!" I laughed to no end and immediately sealed the deal for the new seat offerings in Section 320. The African Queen happy that my 2 week moaning and groaning over.




Little did I realize at the time, how fabulous these seats really were, directly behind the Nationals 3rd base dugout, sitting among the most rabid and sensational fans I could ever expect to share the night with. I was hooked from the start, and despite first sharing my seats with others, quickly started to attend every single game possible. It took about 6 weeks for Section 320 to finally take its shape, everyone getting to know one another. 12 season ticket holders in all, the Original Section 320's. The Seating Section I am proud to be a part of. A Section that makes every single home game fun, whether we are winning, or has been the case, this season, losing--losing badly. MickNats and I are the staples of Section 320. We both attend virtually every single game. Win or lose, bad play and all. We are THE DIEHARD FANS of the NATIONALS--although MickNats has me beat on the Nationals Jerseys and Tees--but just barely. If we are not there, others start to wonder. The world seems not right when He or I are not at RFK.



Sohna and I enjoy each and every game in attendance at RFK. We just can't watch a home game on TV. We love spending the night with our friends-- talking baseball, bitching at Frank, screaming AT and For SCREECH!!, chanting, cheering and getting everyone on the 3rd base side involved, vocally in the game.

ITS A GREAT JOY BEING A TRUE SEASON TICKET HOLDER AT RFK STADIUM IN SECTON 320!!