Mr. Walk Off Zimmerman Tee-Shirt Giveaway, September 28th

The final Tee-Shirt Tuesday on September 28th for the penultimate home game of 2010 will feature a "Mr. Walk Off" logo emblazoned on the front. Considering The Philadelphia Phillies were on the losing end of Ryan Zimmerman's last bottom of the 9th game winning dinger makes the giveaway somewhat appropriate.

Only 10,000 of these "Mr. Walk Off" Tee-Shirts will be handed out at Nationals Park next Tuesday night. So you might want to get there early to make sure you get yours before The Phillie Fans arrive.

Photo Courtesy Of The Washington Nationals

You Can't Win That Way

Now Updated With The Game Notes & Highlights


"Only Our Washington Nationals could play one of their worst defensive innings of the season tonight," stated SenatorNat. "Then turn around in the very next frame and play one of their best defensive innings of the year. You can't win that way."

No you can't and Our Washington Nationals didn't come close this evening before the smallest crowd to attend a Major League Game in The Nation's Capital since baseball returned to D.C. in 2005. Three errors committed by Washington in the top of the 5th inning directly led to seven runs being scored by The Houston Astros--five of them coming on two home runs knocked out of the ballpark off Livan Hernandez by Humberto Quintero and Geoff Blum.

The three miscues coming on a botched toss from Adam Dunn to Livo covering 1st base--that went off Ole Number 61's glove when he didn't cover 1st base quick enough on a grounder. The second followed shortly after when Willie Harris simply dropped a fly ball off his fielder's mitt. The third when Roger Bernadina bobbled a single to center which allowed another run to score.

Contrast that to the top of the 6th inning when Ryan Zimmerman backhanded a Brian Busgusivec grounder down the line--and overarm tossed a perfect strike to Adam Dunn covering 1st. Only to be topped by The Defensive Play Of This Game when Danny Espinosa didn't give up, didn't give up, didn't give up at all on a softly lofted baseball stroked from the bat of Quintero that found Washington's new middle infielder hustling with all his giddy-up a good 30-yards into the grass to slide and make a gorgeous catch for out number two.

That play was a thing of beauty, just like The Z-Man's diving stop to his right that finished this remarkable frame on a hot smash by Houston's Pitcher Bud Norris. Zimmy slid toward the line, one-hopped the baseball, turned and fired a second strike across the infield to Dunn at 1st to finish this trio of Defensive Gems.

And all that wizardry just left you wondering--what's going on out there?

No team is going to win any ball game playing one good inning after bad. And that was the case this evening on South Capitol Street as Our Washington Nationals lost their 4th in a row and 10th out of their last 12. Limping to the finish line with just 12 games remaining in the 2010 Season is not what many expected to see this September. In fact, Sohna and I had a conversation tonight about how when Stephen Strasburg officially went down for this season in August--and possibly for much of next year too with Tommy John Surgery on his elbow--all the air just seemed to go out of the ballon that was Washington's Season.

And they have never really recovered, sadly.

The June 8th, Stephen Strasburg Debut with all the Frenzy--seems so long ago. Especially after tonight sitting in a ballpark barely a quarter filled for a late season game between two teams well out of the running that was over rather early thanks to too many defensive miscues. So many (and the official scorer was generous in not awarding a couple more), not even a wonderfully played top of the 6th defensively could save D.C's team tonight.

Final Score from Nationals Park where you can't win playing that way in The Major Leagues: The Houston Astros 8 and Our Washington Nationals 2. Loss number 88 of 2010 got so out of hand during that 5th frame the crowd nearly reached "Friends & Family" status by the 7th Inning Stretch. Washington's only real chance to get back into this game came moments later with two outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the 7th. But with Adam Dunn standing at the plate, Houston's Tim Byrdak struck "Lone Star" out.

Rally over. Inning Over. This game over as well.

Game Notes & Highlights

Last night was one of those nights when Livan Hernandez got hit, he got hit hard. He allowed eight hits, two home runs while his ERA remained relatively low thanks to the three errors behind him directly leading to four unearned runs scored by The Houston Astros.

Again Washington's bullpen attempted to salvage the game by throwing four shutout innings. Craig Stammen, Collin Balester and Joe Bisensus giving up three hits, two walks and zero runs.

Adam Dunn got Washington on the board in the bottom of the very 1st inning when he looped a two run double down the right field line off Houston's Bud Norris--scoring Adam Kennedy (who had walked) and Ryan Zimmerman (who had singled) before him.

Up until the time earlier this season when Our Washington Nationals played The Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, The Astros had one of the worst records in baseball (17-34). After recovering and righting their year--Houston now has 73 wins and 77 loss and may well finish near the .500 mark. An impressive accomplishment especially when you looked at their starting lineup last night that contained so many unfamiliar faces--young guys with the last names of Bourgeois, Johnson, Bogusevic and Norris. Only Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee were truly recognizable faces, but clearly The Astros are doing something right.

Speaking of Bourgeois, he made a spectacular play of his own rushing in on a looping liner off the bat of Roger Bernadina in the bottom of the 3rd. Using good speed and athleticism, Bourgeois made a diving face first grab of the hit baseball, a split second before it hit the grass. A very nice defensive play only outdone by Espinosa's circus catch in the 6th inning.






Before the game, Our Washington Nationals started selling "Shirts Off Their Backs" Raffle Tickets. Not only were sales being taken at The Washington National Dream Foundation Kiosk in Center Field Plaza, but volunteers were stationed throughout the ballpark selling tickets as well. Additionally, The Dream Foundation is selling off bats, baseballs and some jerseys (all autographed by former players)--with prices ranging from $5 to $30.




Tonight was Military Appreciation Night. Servicemen and women were honored before and during the game. And the Starting Nine featured those who had just recently returned from service in Iraq.



George won the 4th inning Presidents Race on a bicycle. He and his fellow Rushmores pedaled their way from centerfield to the 1st base finish line to complete the competition.

And finally, there were two spectacular foul ball catches in Section 218 by fans. Each by guys sitting in their seats, hardly moving but just reaching out with one hand and snaring the baseball. Considering both baseballs were hit rather hard, the catches were impressive. Especially the first one because the man that retrieved that baseball never lost his beer cup he held tightly in his left hand. He never spilled a drop.

Tonight's In-Game Photos, Evan Vucci (AP)
All Other Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Jerseys Off Their Backs Returns For 2010

The ever popular "Shirts Off Their Backs" promotion returns to Nationals Park to benefit The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation this week. Beginning with tonight's September 20th game versus the Houston Astros and running through the bottom of the 6th inning on September 26th when The Atlanta Braves are in town--fans can purchase $5 raffle tickets at The Dream Foundation Kiosk in Center Field Plaza (and at selected areas throughout the ballpark) in hopes of receiving an authentic game used uniform top. The jerseys worn by Washington's players this Sunday during the final game of the upcoming three game set with The Braves will be the uniform top offered to lucky fans that day.

Winning ticket holders will be notified during this Sunday's game and those present will participate in a post-game ceremony on the field. But it's important to note--you do not need to be present to win. The Dream Foundation will send any winner their jersey via mail. And there is no limit to the number of raffle tickets anybody can purchase.

Complete details in the team's press release below.

Dream Foundation’s ‘Jerseys Off Their Backs’ Raffle Begins Monday, Sept. 20

The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation will host its annual ‘Jerseys Off Their Backs’ fundraiser during the final homestand of the season beginning Monday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2:00pm. For $5 each, fans may purchase raffle tickets to win one of 30 game-worn, autographed, red alternate jerseys from Nationals players and coaches.

‘Jerseys Off Their Backs’ Details:

$5 Raffle tickets can be purchased during each game (Sept. 20 to Sept. 26) from the time gates open until the bottom of the 6th inning at the Dream Foundation Kiosk located in Center Field Plaza

Roving ticket sellers will sell tickets around the ballpark throughout the week and the NatMobile will sell tickets in Center Field Plaza from Sept. 20 to Sept. 24

There is no limit to the amount of tickets fans may purchase

Winners will be announced and jerseys will be presented during a special on-field ceremony following the game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, Sept. 26

Fans who purchase tickets do not have to be at Sunday’s game to win; the Dream Foundation will ship jerseys to winners who are not in attendance

All proceeds for this annual fundraiser benefit the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. For more information on the raffle or the Dream Foundation, please visit www.nationals.com/dream.

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Sept. 26*
*Ticket sales will end at 2:00pm on Sunday, Sept. 26

WHERE: Dream Foundation Kiosk in Center Field Plaza
Nationals Park - 1500 South Capitol Street, SE Washington, DC 20003


Photos Copyrighted Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Roger Bernadina--Trying To Finish Strong

The 2010 Major League Baseball Season began for Roger Bernadina like every previous season of his professional career--not on the Big League Roster. Sent to AAA Syracuse by Our Washington Nationals at the end of spring training--thanks to a crowded group of outfielders in camp--Bernadina did not give up. He played well for Washington's top farm club and after a brief return to D.C. for one appearance on April 11th, was recalled for the final time this season on April 28th.

From that day on--Roger earned a regular staring outfield position in a Nationals uniform by becoming a better all-around player. He's always been known for his defense and speed. The native of Curacao has even played all three outfield positions this year. But what's surprised some has been his power displayed at the plate, 10 home runs now hit during his rookie campaign.

Nationals Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein says few players work harder than Roger Bernadina. Eckstein also believes "Bernie" has all the tools to be a very good player. Like everything in Bernadina's professional baseball career, little has come easy. None of his success has come without hard work, dedication and direction. As the 2010 season is slowly coming to a close, Bernadina finds himself struggling again at the plate (batting just .154 for September) and says he is just trying to finish strong.

Recently, Nats320 sat down with Roger Bernadina to review his nearly completed rookie season in Major League Baseball. Here is that conversation:

Roger Bernadina: In the past, I have really struggled, but I have learned from all those mistakes. I can talk about them now. So far, everything is going well for me and I want to finish the season strong. But the main thing for me is my focus. I can focus better and maintain my swing. I have been working out with Rick Eckstein. He's been teaching me the little things to help make my game better.

Nats320: At each level in the minor leagues, you struggled, you had to remaster things and move up again. Has that been frustrating for you?

Bernadina: Yes, it’s always frustrating because you want to be in the Big Leagues. And whenever you get sent back down there is something you have to figure out. Each time, I went back down there and figured it out. I kept working to get myself back up to here and earn the opportunity again. Sometimes, it’s real hard, but you have to deal with it.

Nats320: Earlier this year, there was a platoon involving you in right field along with Justin Maxwell, Willie Harris, a few others. Was it tough having to wait again for another chance to get more playing time?

Bernadina: Patience is a big part of this game. I wasn’t even on the opening day roster. But I have got to be patient. Whenever they have given me the chance to play, I have gone out and shown them what I can do. It’s always hard, especially here, where we had a lot of rightfielders. Thankfully, I took advantage of it and things turned the right way for me, so far.

Nats320: Which position are you most comfortable playing here?

Bernadina: To be honest, I like centerfield and rightfield. Leftfield is not my favorite. I am getting used to playing leftfield, but I like rightfield because whenever you have guys on first base--they love to run. And I like to throw them out.

Nats320: You’ve shown virtually no fear going to the wall to attempt a catch of a flyball--even after breaking your ankle last year.

Bernadina: I still go there every single day. I am not backing down. It’s a part of me inside. I am real confident about playing defense. I am not afraid to hit the wall and I will do that, day-in and day-out. And if I have to break my ankle again, well so be it, but I am not going to change. Sometimes, it happens (shrugging his shoulders).

But to be honest, at the beginning of the season, I kept thinking something will happen. Then they (batters) started hitting a couple of balls at me and I became more confident out there. I’ve maintained that confidence and I feel real good out there.

Nats320: Until this year, you had not been known for hitting with power. Now you have 10 and during the last homestand--you hit your first one’s here at Nationals Park. Where is that power coming from?

Bernadina: I don’t know. I don’t know. In the Big Leagues you have a lot of guys that throw hard and sometimes when you make contact--the ball carries. I really don’t know what it is--but I am going with it.

Nats320: Because of that power, the team seems to be looking at you differently with your bat in the lineup. Last year, maybe they were thinking you were a leadoff guy. Where do you see yourself batting over time?

Bernadina: Well, I see myself batting wherever the manager puts me. Whether that is leadoff or down lower in the order--whatever it is to help the ball club. It doesn’t matter to me right now. I am still in my first full season. Maybe in the future I will be hitting somewhere else and I will find a regular spot. But for now, I am hitting wherever the manager puts me in the lineup and I am good with that.

Nats320: Having a regular role with this club settled you down?

Bernadina: For sure, whenever you can play more it helps. When you don’t play as much, every little thing wrong bothers you and affects your play. That’s one of the things I had to learn from the past. But I am very happy to get a better opportunity to play here.

Nats320: How about understanding the league and the pitchers more?

Bernadina: With the scouting reports and watching video, it’s been really important for me to see what the pitcher’s got. It helped to give me more confidence and that’s the most important thing. When you are confident, you feel like you are on top of the world. Baseball has been a lot of fun for me this year. I really want to finish strong. I want to show the organization I am not done yet. And I want to improve and get better every day.

But I will never say I am a Major Leaguer. I am a Major Leaguer--you know what I mean. I just want to get better every year. Maybe one of these days when I retire, I will look back and say so (laughing).

Nats320: What are you going to do this off-season?

Bernadina: I am going to play winter ball in Venezuela for a little bit to maintain my swing so I can be ready for next year.

With that final answer, Nats320's conversation with Roger Bernadina concluded. Did you know that Roger speaks four different languages: english, dutch, spanish and papiamento (the dialect of his native Curacao). And because he chews gum all the time,some of his teammates call him: "Chiclone" (meaning gum chewer)

Photo Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

A Masked Ball--Opera In The Outfield, 2010

According to The Washington National Opera at the conclusion of today's simulcast, 15,000 people showed up at Nationals Park this Sunday afternoon to see Verdi's "A Masked Ball" live from The Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. Considering The Washington Redskins were playing in front of approximately 90,000 fans in Landover, Maryland; Our Washington Nationals were playing the final game of a three-game set against The Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park; and the D.C. weather could not have been better--a stunningly beautiful 80 degree late summer day--the turnout on South Capitol Street for the 3rd Annual "Opera In The Outfield" was very impressive.





Yes, it was a matinee. And yes, it might have been a little uncomfortable if you were sitting in the sun, but thousands again came to watch, enjoy and take in Opera in one of the most unique settings ever organized--a baseball park. You've got to give The Washington National Opera credit here. They seem to be onto something good. In cooperation with Our Washington Nationals, Target Department Stores, Albritton Communications (WJLA & TBD.com), Mars Candy and Rolex, the matinee performance of "A Masked Ball" was again a success.





Just take a look at the pictures, they speak for themselves. Thousands were attracted by the lure of a free stage performance to anyone wishing to attend. The chance to hang out in the outfield at Nationals Park, bring the family along--even a picnic lunch, or just sit down in one of the many seats throughout the three year old ballpark and take in the show. Many of Nationals Park's concession stands were open for business along the 3rd base side of the stadium as well--including Ben's Chili Bowl.





For the second consecutive year, Sohna and I attended. Instead of sitting in the sun on the grass, this time we chose seats near the main concourse in Section 113. This left us in the shade all day and made for perfect viewing of the the HDTV Screen showing The Kennedy Center simulcast. The nearly three hour performance (with two intermissions) was pretty entertaining and the sound quality excellent. There were zero problems listening to this opera on the ballpark's sound system.


Our only critique about the entire performance was watching the production at times on the HDTV Screen against a very bright, sunlit sky. "A Masked Ball" is a dark tragedy and the Kennedy Center Opera House stage was faintly lit for certain scenes to set the mood. That design for the in-house opera audience did not translate well to the Big Screen audience at the ballpark during the day. A times, the performers seemed to disappear against total blackness on the big television screen.



Hopefully, in 2011 and beyond, "Opera In The Outfield" can return to its roots. A night time performance that we feel provides a better atmosphere for attending something truly special. And that's what these Washington National Opera Simulcasts are--a distinctive treat which allows many that have never experienced opera before--to find out if it's too their liking. "Opera In The Outfield" also is a nice event that allows families to attend a stage performance without any costs attached.



That's how you find new fans. That's how you maintain your audience. And that's how The Washington National Opera is playing it smart.







Being kid friendly, "Opera In The Outfield" also featured costume wearing and mask making in The Kids Zone at Nationals Park. Families were welcomed to dress up in Opera attire and take pictures for the fun of it all. Additionally, others were encouraged to paint their own masks. As fans settled into their seats or their blankets on the field, My Best Friend!! Screech!! walked around Nationals Park meeting and greeting guests while wearing his own specially designed mask.


The NatPack even launched special "Opera In The Outfield" tee-shirts into the crowd during the first intermission.





ABC7/WJLA's Cynee' Simpson was the emcee for the event. Just before the performance began, she introduced D.C. Council Chair (and Democratic Mayoral Primary Winner) Vincent Gray for opening remarks. Mr. Gray was followed by Jane Lipton Cafritz--the chair of The Washington National Opera--and Frank Caisane from Target. The Washington National Opera's General Director, Placido Domingo , also welcomed everyone in a pre-taped video.


Upon leaving today's event, Target handed out backpacks and Frisbees to everyone in attendance.



We really like "Opera In The Outfield" because it's unique. And as baseball fans of Our Washington Nationals, we love to watch The Curtain Call at the conclusion of these simulcast performances. Don't ever leave your seats early because that's when The Curly "W" makes an appearance. While bowing to the crowd in thanks, the main characters from "A Masked Ball" stepped back on stage at The Kennedy Center Opera House today and saluted those watching while wearing Red Nationals Home Baseball Caps. A very nice touch and a fitting conclusion for another successful "Opera In The Outfield".


15,000 people can't be wrong and neither is The Washington National Opera with this now yearly, well attended, event.

Screen Grabs of "A Masked Ball" from The Washington National Opera
All Other Photos Copyrighted--Nats320--All Rights Reserved