The Night The Lights Went Out

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It was Tuesday, June 1, 1971, 3:30PM, just getting home from school. I was 11 years old, soon to be 12 in August--just two more weeks left in 5th Grade before summer recess. As I walked to the front door, sitting on the stoop, was that afternoon's Washington Star newspaper. At one time, The Washington Star was THE NEWSPAPER in the DC area. An afternoon daily--The News Leader beyond reproach. The Washington Post can claim all the history they want, but, only due to poor Management of THE STAR, and subsequent ownership by Time, Inc--led to its eventual downfall, ceasing to publish in 1981.

But, in 1971, The Star was still a very viable newspaper, and on this day, its afternoon delivery schedule gave them an exclusive BANNER HEADLINE!! After months of rumors, Bob Short, Owner of The Washington Senators, made public that he would attempt to move The Senators out of the Nation's Capital and to Dallas-Ft.Worth, if the DC Armory Board would not give in on a renegotiated lease for the stadium. SENATORS LEAVING--AGAIN!! was the headline.

The Original Senators had moved to Minnesota, becoming the Twins, after the 1960 season. Moving to Minneapolis-St.Paul just as all their fine young talent was developing into an outstanding team. The Twins would Win The American League Pennant and go to the World Series in 1965, win the AL West Division Titles during the first two years of Division Playoffs, that began in 1969--competitive and feared throughout the decade. Leading the American League in Attendance at one time, in a reconverted Minor League Stadium, where now the infamous Mall Of America sits in Bloomington, Minnesota. Those Twins teams included former Senators: Hall of Famer-Harmon Killebrew, Rookie of The Year--Bobby Allison, All Star Lefthander--Jim Kaat, All Star Catcher--Earl Battey and in the farm system at the time of the move--Tony Oliva--one of the greatest hitting machines in baseball history--Multiple knee injuries curtailing a sure Hall of Fame Career. Another Hall of Famer, Rod Carew, would also play for these Twins, coming up late in the 1967 season. Washington never got to enjoy their success.

Instead, The American League granted Washington an expansion franchise for the 1961 season. The team was, again, called the Senators. And, They Stunk!! For years. Truly a terrible franchise, never competitive, drawing below average crowds. Despite playing in the Pristine New, DC Stadium (Later renamed RFK), poor management failing to build a competitive team. Only the 1969 Team, under helm of first year Manager, Ted Williams, was able to ever reach .500 or above (86-76), nearly drawing 1 Million Fans.
Then, Bob Short would cut the legs right off the teams momentum, trading 3 rising stars: Pitcher- Joe Coleman, Shortstop Eddie Brinkman, 3rd Baseman Aurelio Rodriguez, along with pitcher Jim Hannan for troublesome Denny McLain and journeyman infielder, Ron Wert. The trade that doomed the franchise.

I couldn't believe what I was reading in the newspaper. My TEAM!!, as bad as they were, was leaving, FOR TEXAS!!! My dad happened to pull into the driveway, coming home from work. I showed him the headline. Dad saying he just heard it on the radio. Unbeknownst to me, this potential move had been rumored for some time--SHOCKED as much as an 11 year old could be. My brother, Michael and our friend, Dave, were also walking home from middle school. They also couldn't believe it. All three of us ran over to tell another childhood friend, Nick--4 houses away. The 4 of us talked and talked about the Senators. How much we loved going to the games. What are we going to do without a team. WE ARE NOT GOING TO BALTIMORE??!! We couldn't drive, number one, but we wouldn't know how to get there, if we did.

Nick's Dad was listening to the conversation, realizing how crushed we all were over the move. He asked us whether we would like to go to the Senators Game, that night, to show support. As I posted previously, Michael and I had never been allowed, by our parents, to attend a Senators Night Game since Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968 and the subsequent riots. Badly, we wanted to go, Nick's Dad said he would talk to our parents.

Surprisingly, on a school night, My parents relented, saying we could go--knowing it meant so much. It wasn't like you could watch every game on TV like today. Rarely were MLB Games on TV, then. Always, the NBC Saturday Game of The Week (with Curt Gowdy & Tony Kubek), and a handful of Senators Away Games, no more than 25 during any season (Brought to you by Schaefer, "Schaefer Is The, One Beer To Have, When You're, Having More Than One"--Seriously, that was their jingle!!).

The five of us, Nick's Dad driving, piled into his car and headed off to RFK Stadium to see Our Senators play the California Angels. We purchased seats in Section 311, front row, looking right down the 3rd baseline from behind the first base side of home plate. And, no one else came!! We couldn't believe it!! An announced crowd of 3,675 scattered throughout the huge ballpark.

Throughout the game, we cheered and cheered for our Senators. It was a good game, the Nats coming back twice in an eventual 6-5 win. Ironically, former Senator and Fan Favorite, Ken McMullen would hit a game tying two run homer, for the Angels, off former teammate, Dick Bosman, in the 5th, on Ken's birthday. As McMullen rounded the bases, out of nowhere, the crowd started singing "Happy Birthday TO YOU". The Stadium Organist, picking up on the tune quickly. McMullen would reach home plate, stop and wave his cap to everyone in the park--using his left hand to wipe away a tear screaming down his face. Frank Howard, standing at first base, politely clapping. It was an odd--SOMBER MOMENT, reality setting in, that BASEBALL WAS LEAVING FOR GOOD!!

Then, the Harbinger of things to come, occurred in the bottom of the 6th. California had, then young hot lefthanded reliever, Dave LaRoche, on the mound. The Senators sent Tom McCraw, yes, the same McCraw that was the Nationals hitting instructor during their Inaugural season of 2005, to the plate. McCraw took his place in the batters box, LaRoche looked in for the sign from catcher, John Stephenson. LaRoche went into the windup, and at the exact moment he threw the pitch--TOTAL DARKNESS!! All the lights at RFK went out. No emergency lights, no Moonlight, NOTHING!!! You could plainly hear LaRoche yell "LOOK OUT!!! As the light quickly faded you could see a startled Tom McCraw driving backwards away from the plate. Both Home Plate Umpire Dave Phillips and the Angels Stephenson, ducking down, as if incoming artillery was shelling down--the ball--"THUMP!!" against the backstop.

Screams and OOOH's from the spare crowd. Then silence. No one knew what to do. As our eyes adjusted to the darkness, you could begin to make out silhouettes of people. Nick's Dad, taking control, holding hands and telling us to follow him. As it turned out, he moved us down next to the Senators 1st base dugout. It was the smart move, as all the police officers were stationed around the field.

Eventually, the Stadium PA announcer, who I believe then was Charlie Brotman, actually yelled out from the Press Box, and clearly heard throughout the lower deck, that a major transformer had blown outside the stadium. Repair teams were on the way. Not only were we losing our team, but we couldn't even watch one of their remaining games. The PA announcer said the game would continue, if power could be restored soon.
Since there were no lights at RFK, the players also could not retreat to their clubhouses. As we hung on the railing overlooking the Senators Dugout, players would come and go, up and down the steps, looking around at the darkness, chatting, passing the time. Long time Washington Catcher, Paul Casanova was standing near the railing. I asked him whether they were as shocked and saddened about the teams announced move. Casanova so choked up over it, he really couldn't answer. But,"Hondo", Frank Howard stepped over, slapping his big right hand on Casanova's back, introducing himself to all of us. Michael and I telling him we were in his Fan Club, had met him on the few occasions when Members got to march around the field each year on Frank Howard Day. Howard, kind enough, to tell us he remembered us. Vividly, I recall Hondo telling us "I'm crushed over it all. Love DC and the surrounding area. Its a very very sad day for me!!" Howard would retrieve some baseballs for us as a token thanks. Ken McMullen would walk over, from the 3rd base dugout, to talk to Frank. Casanova now involved in the conversation. Howard would introduce us to McMullen. We wished him a Happy Birthday. McMullen telling us how much he hated being traded from Washington to California early in the 1970 Season. Pitcher--Casey Cox then jumping up the steps to greet Ken and join the conversation. 4 long time friends, reminiscing about THE GOOD TIMES PLAYING IN WASHINGTON--joined by 4 adolescent fans, enjoying being apart of the conversation. Nick's Dad, till the day he passed away, would talk about these precious moments forever.

Nearly 1 hour after the blackout, power was restored. McMullen, Casanova and Cox shake all our hands. Nick's Dad pulled out a pen. They, along with Hondo, signed our baseballs. Then, as McMullen trots back over to the 3rd base dugout to warm up, Hondo signing the last of 4 baseballs, Ted Williams, steps up from the dugout, hands pushed inside his Senators Jacket. Talking and laughing to Howard "The way you four were chatting, I thought you were picking up dates for the night" "NO" replied Big Frank--"Saying Goodbye to our Fan Base" Williams, realizing how upset we might actually be, walked over, introduced himself, and proceed to also sign our baseballs!! It was a BIG THRILL!!! Ted Williams, A BASEBALL ICON, talking with us!!

As I thanked him, Number 9 gave my ball back, rubbed my hair on the top of my crew cut head, saying "No--THANK YOU!! There is just no reason for this team to leave this tremendous town. Its management, not the fans." With that, Ted Williams walked back down into the dugout. Hondo thanked us again, waving and trotted off to warm up. All 5 of us remaining in the seats right next to the Senators dugout and warmup circle.

Frank Howard would double in the 8th inning and be replaced by pinch runner, Dick Billings. As Hondo jogged back to the dugout, he stopped to give his batting helmet to the batboy. My Favorite Player of ALL TIME!!!, would turn to us, nod his head back, wave saying "THANKS FOR SUPPORTING ME!! It means more than you will ever know" Number 33, tapping the top of the dugout roof, ducking down into the clubhouse for the final time that night.

The game, with the power failure, would not finish until 11PM. Fortunately, Nick's Dad was able to call all our parents to tell them we were all OK.

As we headed to Lot 8 for the car after the game, I was happy and sad, all at the same time. We were losing our team, yet, we had that rare opportunity for meaningful conversation with players we idolized and loved. Surprisingly, those same players liked us-wanted to talk to us. It was the strangest night in my baseball life.

June 1, 1971--THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT!!!

PS--As a sidenote, 5 days later, on June 6, 1971, The Washington Senators would draw their second largest crowd of the year, 40,246 faithful fans, in a 8-1 rout by the Oakland Athletics. The last Senators crowd to ever reach above 20,000 at any game throughout the remainder of their existence. 12 neighborhood friends and family members attended that game. It was Bat Day, a beautiful Sunday. Many would come see their last Senators Game of their lives that day. Although, fortunately, for me, my last Senators game would be September 30, 1971. The infamous finale. More on that final Senators/Yankees game at a later date.

Seeing The Light

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Its seems a few folks are scratching their heads over Our Washington Nationals retaining Pitching Coach, Randy St.Claire, for the 2007 season, before hiring their new Manager. Some believing that the Manager should have the sole right to choose the staff of his own liking and experience.

To me, this is a great sign for Washington. Management, wanting to build a professional image, is rewarding a valued foot soldier. The Nationals want to win with pitching. And, to win with pitching, you need someone to teach the youngsters how to pitch, not just throw. Why let walk, your best teacher?

Randy St.Claire is a terrific pitching coach. He has stewarded the Expos/Nats Pitching Staff through some thin times, since 2002, with excellent results. As I have stated previously, he can remain our pitching coach until he no longer wants the job. This man is a tireless worker. Before each and every Nats Home Game at RFK Stadium, well before the night's starting pitcher goes to warmup, I see St.Claire working with other pitchers down the right field line and in the teams bullpen.

On September 4, the Labor Day Monday Game with the St.Louis Cardinals--The African Queen and I were fortunate enough to have Diamond Club Access. As we sat, on the stools looking over the right field fence, there was St.Claire, with the entire New Orleans Zephyrs (The Nationals) Bullpen, all grouped around St.Claire--enthralled, listening to each and every word, as Randy was teaching them techniques and mechanics.

Ryan Wagner, Chris Schroeder, Saul Rivera, Brett Campbell, Chris Booker, Billy Traber, Jason Bergmann the injured Micah Bowie, and Harrisburg's Beltran Perez were all surrounding Randy. One at a time, each would go to the practice mound, St.Claire watching closely, adjusting the technique. This went on for the entire last 15 minutes of Nats batting practice and continuing during the Cardinals batting practice--obviously starting well before the gates to RFK opened for fans.

"The Wookie", Jon Rauch and "The Chief" Chad Cordero, we've seen working with Randy individually in the bullpen and right field during practice. St.Claire never raising his voice--calm, patient, instructing and teaching something he notices wrong in a pitchers repitoire. And, I love that white towel he always has laying over his right shoulder!! Look at Cordero, early in the season--HE WAS TERRIBLE!!, and how terrific Chad was during the second half. The difference between night and day. The Chief learning a new pitch, a change up--to go with his slider and fastball. That's coaching.

On the bench, during games, St.Claire always has this concerned parent look, and although I am sure he repeatedly told Frank Robinson his pitchers did not have it on certain days, Frank always seemed to wait too long to take a struggling pitcher out--well after the game appears to be lost.

Between games, Randy St.Claire, according to many published reports, views hours and hours of videotape of his pitchers, looking for ANYTHING to help those pitchers improve. Ryan Wagner flatout gives Randy total credit for straightening him out, after, his unsuccessful stint in Cincinnati.

John Patterson thinks the world of him. Hector Carrasco owes St.Claire a "Finders Fee" for teaching this journeyman a change up in 2005--reviving his floundering career and receiving $6 million from the Los Angeles Angels (Of Anaheim--for you perfectionists).

When the 2006 Nats got into a tremendous pitching shortage problem, early, the boys from New Orleans were recalled. They stunk, couldn't get hardly anyone out. But, over the summer, those same New Orleans boys started putting 2 and 2 together, more consistently getting the outs, instead of failing-confidence rising. Toward the end of September, it was safe to say the Nats Bullpen, far from the best in the league, had improved dramatically. That's coaching, and its all Randy St.Claire.

Many would place the terrible 2006 pitching woes on the pitching coach, as a scapegoat. Not me. Injuries, then inexperience, and finally, not enough starting talent killed the Nats in 2006. None of that is Randy St.Claire's problems or fault. Injuries happen and it's Management's responsibility to supply the horses.

If I could choose one coach from the Nationals during their first two seasons in Washington, starting my own staff--Randy St.Claire would be my NUMBER 1 Choice. No one else would be close. Very happy he will be back. For the first time after a long, sometimes difficult, 2006 season of Nats baseball, I am starting to see a flicker of light at the end of that tunnel.

Randy St.Claire is providing that first light.

Building From Within

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There has been alot of sniping going on about The New Owners of Our Washington Nationals, The Lerners, and also at Team President, Stan Kasten. Many wanting the Nats to spend heavily in the free agent market, to make the playoffs right away. I am not going to rehash all of that again, but one thing about them, is making me happy: I am sure, The WASHINGTON NATIONALS, under this ownership, will not turn the franchise into the sorry, difficult to love and appreciate--Washington Redskins.

At one time, I was as passionate for The Washington Redskins as I am for Our Nationals. Growing up in the DC Area, The Redskins have dominated the headlines and sporting interest of just about everyone here, for my entire life. And, I was hooked on them. Hooked on them, until "The Squire", Jack Kent Cooke, passed away.

Moving The Redskins from RFK Stadium to that terrible montrosity in Landover, all Cooke's doing, was the beginning of my downfall on the team. But, since Daniel Snyder took over, each and every subsequent year, I have been turned off by just about everything this owner has done.


Snyder is all about MONEY and nothing else, trying to squeeze each and every dollar out of, what many will say, is the FINEST FANBASE in the country. Yet, what has turned me off the most, is Mr. Snyder's continuing penchant for Fantasy Football. Always overpaying for talent, giving up top draft picks, putting a team on the field that has no chemistry. Never building from within. Always changing his mind on the teams direction. The Redskins may make more trades than any team in the NFL. Trading players is not a regular thing in Pro football. Then, once Snyder trades for new players, immediately has to resign those players to some MONSTER CONTRACTS--killing any chance of building in future years. Joe Gibbs is also to blame for some of this, but, Mr. Snyder is the linchpin to the operation. As I have always said--Its better to win with your own players, than finish 2nd or 3rd with someone else's players. The Redskins are always pushing the panic button--making them unenjoyable to watch.

The Redskins under Snyder always finish out of the money. They are the GREATEST OFF SEASON team in the sport--making huge Headline Splashes--Trading, Signing Players, throwing the Money around. For the entire 2006 Season, I have yet to watch a complete game. In fact, did not even watch any of the past 3 games. Yesterday, I was grocery shopping. The African Queen stunned by my reversal. There was a time where she could not even speak to me during the games.

Snyder has put so much pressure on WINNING NOW and nothing else, that anything short of a decisive victory is never enough. I want to see the Redskins win too, go to the Super Bowl, win the Lombardi Trophy!! But, not through the reckless, never thinking to the future way this team is run, today. The Washington Redskins have very few players that seem, well, human. They are like clones, nothing different about anyone.

The Redskins are the New York Yankees of Football. Look at the Yankee teams of the past 11 season under Joe Torre. When George Steinbrenner actually took a back seat, allowing the baseball folks to make the decisions, The Yankees won 4 World Series in five seasons. Those Yankee teams of the late 90's had a nice grouping of homegrown players, skillful trades and just the right amount of free agents to plug any holes. The Yankees had Chemistry, and it showed. They were FUN TO WATCH--never out of any game. You may hate the Yankees, many do, but true baseball fans had to appreciate those teams from 1995 to 2000. Professional in every aspect.

Once the Yankees started to pay for Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina, Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, Gary Sheffield, Johnny Damon, etc.--the building of an ALL Star Lineup, without building a team, they have faltered. No World Series Championship since 2000. Its not a coincidence.

What I like about the Lerners and Stan Kasten, so far, is their unwillingness to discuss their business publicly. They may be moving at a Snails Pace, to us, but they are making a once moribund and putrid franchise PROFESSIONAL again. I like that alot.

The Nationals need pitching, badly, but we don't need the Nats to OVERPAY for a bunch of free agents, players just looking for a payday, and not necessarily winning. As much as I love Alfonso Soriano, if he really has turned down that $70 Million ($14 Million to year) 5 year contract, that's OK with me. Not many of the MLB's best players make above that amount. And, only Albert Pujols is worth anything above $15 million to me. That $70 Million could be better spent.

As SenatorNat emailed me:(Without Alfonso) "Nationals much better served to have Dontrelle Willis type pitcher for next five years, and a 35-35 hitter
with excellent defensive skills for the same or less money (healthy Escobar, and improved everyday Church gets you there with no money virtually - but, this may be dreaming...)".

Of course, there will rarely be a Dontrelle Willis type player available on the free agent market. Those type pitchers always come from within your organization, homegrown. The Expos, for many seasons, until their death after the 2004 season, would always let their homegrown players walk, in their free agent years--avoiding paying the Big Dollars. I don't see the Lerner's/Kasten acting this way. Zimmerman will play here for 10 or more years, and, someday, hopefully soon, we will have a few quality pitchers, developed in our own system, to be cherished by Washington Fans for years to come.

At RFK Stadium, right now, Our Washington Nationals have some solid players, players with personality, players you can actually cheer for: Chad Cordero, Nick Johnson, Ryan Zimmerman, Soriano (If he does come back), Brian Schneider, John Patterson, Alex Escobar (When he's not reinjuring himself, walking to the breakfast table) and even Ryan Church. They may not be even average players, but the speed of Bernie Castro and Nook Logan is fun to watch. Not many surly, selfish players on the Nationals--Jimbo finally showed--Mr. Personality, Damian Jackson the door. Baseball is a team game, like Football. But, our Washington Nationals, are building team chemistry. The Washington Redskins have no chemistry, will not be a team again, until they start rebuilding from within. And, I will not be watching until that day. I have found some other very nice alternatives to better use that football time on beautiful, cool, crisp, autumn days.

Where's Neal!!??

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Courtesy of Our Washington Nationals, Section 320 was treated to PRIMO seats for the Washington Capitals-Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Game tonight at Verizon Center. Mr. & Mrs. MickNats, African Queen, NatsDelNegro, SeyHeyKlib, Kentucky Rob and Myself in attendance--sitting 10 rows from the ice. Section 320 rewarded for outlasting and helping outshout about 150 Phillie fans on that infamous September 28-29 rain delayed game that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. The morning where all of us were actively involved in one of the most unique ballpark experiences of our lifetimes, with about 200 other, mostly, Philadelphia fans.

Although the Caps would lose 4-3 in overtime, (And, NO--I WILL NOT BE GOING INTO A COMPLETE PLAY BY PLAY ON THIS ONE!), we all made sure that the Verizon Center Crowd knew we were there. Right as Sohna and I walked to our seats, and the special pregame ceremony honoring Caps Great Young Star, Alexander Ovechkin, was ending--I couldn't help, but, yell out--ALFONSO!!--Immediately followed by SORIANO!! by the rest of our gang. WTOP Sports and Wizard Radio Broadcaster, sitting right behind us, with his young son, in Section 114--just stared at us like we were crazy!! We had to set the man straight-later. For some reason, the "He-Ho Vidro" and" Zim-Mer-Man" chants didn't go over well tonight, either??

The seats were terrific, low, close to the ice, you could hear the players yelling and grunting--skating and banging around.
Not being regulars at Verizon Center, NatsDelNegro and I got a kick out of the Padded Seats and Cup Holders to place your beverage-- throughout the entire game, every single time I reached down to pick up or put away my drink, I would continually reach under my seat. RFK habits are just hard to break.

Of course, MickNats, the KING OF ALL JERSEYS--showed up tonight in a Hockey like jersey that, I am sure, not a single person in the ENTIRE ARENA could have figured out. MickNats wearing a WASHINGTON POWER--Pro Lacrosse--Jersey. MickNats saying the Power were the very last professional team in history to play a game at the old Capital Centre in Landover. I have no doubt, MickNats is correct. And, you can bet, Screech'sBestFriend could only show up in Nats Gear--anything else would have been just plain wrong.

At the end of the first period, MickNats stood up asking the most important question of the evening: "WHERE's NEAL!??"
Neal is MickNats personal BeerPimp--expect for on those very rare circumstances--MickNats will only buy a beer at RFK Stadium from Neal. For those of you who may not have seen the most hustling beer vendor of all time, Neal is a well conditioned, well tanned, Marine Looking, vendor that runs, and I mean RUNS! around the lower bowl of RFK Stadium on the 3rd base side. No one hustles as much as Neal selling beer, peanuts and Cracker Jacks. Neal has CLIENTS throughout the lower bowl of ballpark, NO CLIENT MORE IMPORTANT THAN MICKNATS!! No Nationals Home Game at RFK is EVER OFFICIAL until Mick takes his seat and Neal comes by with that BEER!! EVER!!

Neal was no where to be found tonight. Of course Verizon Center does not sell beer in the stands. Everyone must go to the concourse for their alcohol. For MickNats it was a crushing blow.

We all took an interest in SCREECH, JR!!--some eagle known as SLAPSHOT that seemed to run around the Verizon Center and not really do a whole lot. Slapshot didn't really do anything entertaining--just sort of raised his arms in an effort to get the crowd going. Didn't seem to work. We yelled out SCREEEECH!!--Slapshot didn't answer--but we all laughed. We miss Screech. Like to know if the winter hibernation has begun for MY BEST FRIEND??

The African Queen and I got a kick out of some of the Verizon Center CSC Security Guards, the same ones in those yellow shirts/jackets at RFK, that recognized us--wondering why we were at a Hockey Game?? The Tickets Are Free, We're coming! That's all we could say.

SeyHeyKlib noticed that at the Verizon Center, Section 320 is a Nice Corporate Suite--later SEYHEY would run into one of the NatPack guys that doubles as a Caps Entertainment Specialist (Capitals need a better name for those guys--NATPACK at least sounds cool) asking if we might be able to use that 320 Suite sometime soon--NatPack Cap Guy saying he would get back to us--LIKE NEVER!!!

Only 11,995 showed up for this one--it was strange to see so many completely empty sections in the arena. Even stranger was looking into the upper reaches of the Verizon Center, the cheap seats, and most every seat seemed taken--the lower you looked, closer toward the ice, less and less fans in the seats--opposite of what you would normally expect. And, the crowd that did show up, simply was not into it. Granted-Atlanta, tonight's opponet is not exactly a hockey super power with great tradition, but the Caps fans just sat in their seats most of the night, unless prompted by the scoreboard, and mostly just "LET's Go Caps!!!" There was very little fan participation during the game, unlike at RFK where The NatPack does something with the fans most every single inning. Anything we tried to get folks into it, fell on deaf ears.

What I liked the most, was the opportunity, to see for the first time--Ovechkin. He only had one assist tonight, but he moves so smoothly through traffic with the puck. You could tell he can create with tremendous speed and agility. Even for a hockey novice like me, you could clearly see this young man's talents. Talents that are well above any Capitals player on the ice.

Section 320 had a great time at The Washington Capitals game tonight. It was difficult to continue our ever ongoing game conversations in hockey and not miss the action. As NatsDelNegro said, at RFK there's a pitch, then a pause, pitch, then pause, time to finish the conversation--none of us could carry on our usual banter, without missing half the action. Tonight, we all sat in the same row, instead of our usual configuration of 3 rows, closely packed on the left side of Section 320. It was strange looking right and left to talk, since we usually sit back and front of each other. We all prefer the cozy confines of RFK Stadium, at least through the end of the upcoming 2007 baseball season. But, I loved those Cup Holders at Verizon Center--NICE!!

A Tale Of Two Franks & Then Some

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Fellow Section 320 Season Ticket Holder, SenatorNat, and contributing commenter, and Section 320 Visitor, Eddie Cunningham, made some really nice points on the Nats320 blog after Frank Robinson's final game in a Nationals' Uniform.


SenatorNat mentioned, that as a "Gesture of Appreciation" for all he did for the infant Washington Nationals--becoming to many--THE FACE OF THE FRANCHISE--Frank Robinson should be honored with the Retirement of his number--20, next season. Eddie then followed with a nice addition. Frank's Number 20 should be retired during next season's homestand against the Baltimore Orioles. It would only be fitting, and a nice gesture to allow the fans of the two most IMPORTANT TEAMS, this "Hall of Fame" player has worked for--to enjoy the moment alongside Frank.

I couldn't agree with them more.

Eddie--then went on to say, that, Frank Howard--the BIGGEST AND FINEST STAR on the Expansion Washington Senators--3 Times, the American League Home Run Champion, and, at one time, THE MOST FEARED HITTER IN THE GAME--all while playing at RFK Stadium--should also have his number retired.


Hondo only played one season for the Texas Rangers, when the Senators moved to Arlington, Texas--after the 1971 season. Howard is closely associated with The Expansion Senators. The Rangers would never honor him--but, for so many--including me--FRANK HOWARD WAS OUR IDOL!! For 7 seasons, Hondo patrolled leftfield and 1st base at the Stadium on East Capitol Street---Hitting 237 Home Runs in a Washington Uniform, and knocking in 670 Senators Runs.

As clearly as Frank Robinson was for our newborn Nats--Frank Howard was THE FACE OF THE WASHINGTON SENATORS. Hondo always loved the DC area, still lives in Fairfax County. I have run into him a couple of times over the past 2 seasons--riding the Metro to games at RFK Stadium. Never wanting to draw attention to himself, Hondo still decent enough to chat with me, willingly, but shyly, when approached.

Hondo telling me that his introduction as a retired member of The Washington Senators on Opening Night, April 15, 2005 during the Nationals Inaugural Home Game was a BIG MOMENT IN HIS BASEBALL LIFE--because he adores the area so much. Frank Howard proud to see Major League Baseball return to the site of his greatest accomplishments in the game. Can you imagine Hondo's feeling about his number being retired?? And, for so many Senators fans, still out there--a chance to finally put to rest, THE WASHINGTON SENATORS in a fitting, appropriate, style-- without looking back, sadly, at what was briefly ours--suddenly yanked away by Owner Bob Short, and move forward to THE REBORN WASHINGTON NATIONALS.

With RFK Stadium scheduled to close after the 2007 season, what could be more meaningful, than The Nationals retire the number of THE GREATEST PLAYER TO EVER CALL RFK HIS HOME!! It would be JUSTICE!

Hondo was that last straw that Baseball Fans, in the DC area, local fans, could grasp for so many years, about their true home team, until that fateful day when Major League Baseball returned with THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS--A most joyous day for, not only me, but countless thousands of other WASHINGTON BASEBALL FANS.

Linking the two franchises together by retiring Hondo's number would be a GRAND GESTURE. Of course, Howard wore Number 9 from 1965 until 1968--switching to 33 when Ted Williams came on to manage the Senators from 1969-1971. We can let Hondo choose the number--neither number, 9 or 33, important player numbers for The Nats, or in their previous incarnation--The Montreal Expos.

As Eddie so nicely notes, another Washington Slugger, Harmon Killebrew, began his career with the Original Nationals, but moved with the team to Minnesota in 1961. Killebrew is very closely associated with the GREAT TWINS teams of the 1960's--as such, "THE KILLER", jersey number 3, should remain retired as a Minnesota Twin only.




Although Eddie and I both realize that the great Washington Senators of the early part of the 1900's--Walter Johnson, Bucky Harris, Sam Rice, Joe Cronin--etc. did not have uniform numbers--In the New Nationals Stadium, as a homage to Washington Baseball--I would love to see Gigantic Baseball Circles with their names (Our Own Version of a Washington Baseball Hall of Fame)--showing that Washington, DC does have a BASEBALL HISTORY--a long, fabled and good one--despite our missing in action status for 34 lonely years.

And, it doesn't require retiring any more uniform numbers, as Our Washington Nationals build their own HERITAGE.

Nats Ownership, The New Stadium, Parking--It Just Doesn't Go Away

Nats320
After reading, along with many other Nationals fans, the terrific Washington Post Front Page story on Monday about The Lerner Family, "The Family That Plays Hardball" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/08/AR2006100801053.html, I was glad to see The Washington Post conduct an online chat with the authors today. This, after 2 days of great chatter on three separate Nats Blogs. Capitol Punishment led it off (http://dcbb.blogspot.com/) with "Pohlad Lite", then Nats Triple Play (http://www.nats3play.blogspot.com/) followed up, with my good friends at The Curly W, (http://curlyw.blogspot.com/)--and Brandon in particular, finishing it off in style.

The Blog debates online centered around whether The Lerner's are really good business people, only out for the money and not willing to invest a significant amount of cash into The Washington Nationals to make it the vibrant and championship capable franchise we would all like it to become. At the same time, the back and forth weighed heavily on whether, as Owners, The Lerners should be directly involved and working with the DC Government and other business's looking to redevelop the SW Waterfront. The three Nat blogs provided a great forum for discussion, heated at times.

Really, you should link over to their sites, read the initial posts and the subsequent comments. I found it one of the most interesting, cross blog debates of the year.
In today's post discussion (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2006/10/09/DI2006100900393.html)--I was able to get the reporter's to bite on the Bloggers:

Alexandria, Virginia: In lite of the Washington Post front page story the other day on the Lerner's, there was a tremendous amount of chatter on 3 different Nats Blogs debating whether The Lerner's are really good business people, or, only out to make money and, in the long run, do very little to make the Nationals a Top Flight Franchise competing for the championship each year. What impression do you have on their willingness to spend and build a GREAT BASEBALL FRANCHISE. Is it in them?

Alec MacGillis: This is the question that is on the minds of many fans that we didn't really get into with this article, which was more focused on the development issue. It is going to be very interesting to see how the family actually operates the team. On the one hand, the Lerners are known for hiring quality, experienced people -- such as Stan Kasten -- and they like to be associated with top-class enterprises, such as their premier office towers and shopping centers. On the other hand, they are not known for throwing money around the way some other sports owners are. They really do seem to see the team as a long-term financial investment and not just as a way to get some attention for themselves. What that means for the team remains to be seen -- maybe they'll invest heavily in it, figuring that a winning team draws more fans, but maybe they'll be reluctant to spend a lot.

The two reporters also went on to discuss the topic in various other answers throughout the chat, at one point stating that The Lerners are only focused on the ballpark and parking, nothing else. "The Chicken must come first"--in reference to the chicken and egg debate. The Lerner Group fully believing the High Paying Customers are where the money is, not the average fan. And, they have confused many others in the District, both government and private, with their apparent uninterest to be involved with anything outside the ballpark. On more than one occasion, the Nats Owners HAVE ASKED for UPGRADE CHANGES to the original deal struck with Major League Baseball for the stadium, but do not want to pay for them. Finally, The Lerner Group finds themselves in an unusual position for them--Tenant--Not Landlord, and they may be struggling with that fact--for the first time.

Too be fair, the completion of the ballpark by March, 2008, should be their top priority, everything else can wait. The Lerner's have a signed agreement and the DC Government must deliver--rightfully so. Further development will come after the ballpark is built--just look at the Verizon Center in downtown. That area is transformed, like no one thought, in the past 10 years. But, its interesting to also read, in this online Post discussion, that the fighting over those VIP Parking spots, that will not help you or I, but is the center of this hot debate--has been further addressed by the city, by offering, to build temporary surface parking for those VIP spots in the designated lot, yet the Nats Ownership is totally against it, fearing that it will take away from the Entertainment Value of their top clients.

Finally, after just 3 months in control, there is alot of hard feelings on both sides of this debate, the online chat saying "acrimonious". That's too bad.

Too me, the parking issue for 1,250 of VIP's can wait, if, in the long run, a better idea, a better plan, could be negotiated into place in helping the redevelopment of the Near SW Waterfront. Certainty, I am not paying the bills, but a temporary parking solution for those spots, can only help, without, in my opinion, detering from the team's ability to draw HIGH PAYING Customers. Would I want to deal again with the DC City Council, no way--but, to me, this is such a SMALL THING--that is blown way out of proportion.

It was also mentioned in the Post discussion, as I had heard from others at RFK during the 2006 season, there is serious discussion of having regular fans, you and I, drive to RFK Stadium and take a shuttle bus to the New Stadium on South Capitol Street. No way for me. Not even to be considered. That alone, with Traffic returning from RFK would add an additional 20-30 minutes getting to and from the ballpark. At that point, METRO would be the ONLY WAY FOR ME.

Stan Kasten mentioned in a Fan Forum the African Queen and I attended in Mid-September that his NUMBER 1 Priority for the average fan, is working on parking for them around the new stadium. He and his staff are looking at, along with the city, identifying, as many parcels as possible, to make it happen by 2008. But, he did say, no matter what they come up with, it will, not be as convenient as RFK's Parking. Expect to walk a few blocks, at minimum. Mr. Kasten is concerned that much of that identified parking will not be available in early 2008.

Near the end of the Post chat, I was able to get in another question on the fact, some believe,due to the potential bad traffic problems around the stadium, development in the surrounding area, will not happen:

Washington, DC: Even though the River is on one side of the Ballpark Development, good business people always see opportunity that you and I don't--Those talented business folks I am just sure are chomping at the bit, looking at every nook and cranny for a money-making venture. 20 years from now, I am sure that area will be well developed and vibrant. The Verizon Center re-development happened after the, then, MCI Center opened its doors.

Dana Hedgpeth: Yes, much of the redevelopment around the Verizon Center did happen after it opened and it is likely to be that way around the new ballpark. Many developers like Monument Realty, which is the biggest owner of land there, has said it is not breaking ground on some of its major projects into the stadium construction is far along.

Finally, the correspondents did note, that with all the bad feelings between Mayor Williams, Linda Cropp and the DC City Council, maybe, just maybe, when Adrian Fenty comes on board as Mayor in January, with a new City Council--cooler heads MIGHT prevail--allowing something positive to be worked out on the Ballpark Entertainment District.

Despite Fenty's flatout not wanting to see The District pay for the Nats New Stadium, he has openly said he wants to see the area revitalized. Maybe a fresh head into the affair, even one that was so ardently against the original project, might be able to make headway in this, nothing short of, ongoing DRAMA. Yeah, I might be just dreaming.

This Stadium Debate Just Never Goes Away!!