Depressing

Usually, When Our Washington Nationals play a rained delayed game that heads deep into the night--the outcome has ALWAYS been worth the wait. Fireworks and Fun Galore. Until, this late night--early morning. Section 320 responded, as always. It fact--We were ROCKING. Unfortunately, Our Players--Were Not. The rain started coming down just as Batting Practice ended for The Atlanta Braves. And, it didn't stop. Not one time, through the longest game played since Baseball Returned to Our Nation's Capital--did the wet stuff cease.

This Game Was Ugly.

Awful Field Conditions. Really--what a quagmire. The Infield so wet it was DANGEROUS. Was it really that important to potentially injure someone with two more days of baseball to play against Atlanta?

Foul, because "The Chief Cardiologist" returned in the 9th to blow his 9th save of 2007. Chad Cordero was aiming the ball. His Nemesis--The Braves--walked all over him. When "The Chief" started slamming the ball back into his glove retrieving the baseball from his catcher--he's unnerved--and lost. It also didn't help that Chipper Jones knocked in the game tying run on a slash down the right field line. A two base hit that Chipper has consistently rapped against Washington. Yet, why do Our Washington Nationals ALWAYS position themselves for Jones to hit away to the opposite field. Austin Kearns playing so far over into right center--Pete Orr scored easily from first base.

Frightful because Wily Mo Pena is NOT A GOOD OUTFIELDER. Missed two balls, just over his head that a decent glove would have caught. Both costly. There might have been a third--but I would have to see the replay.

Bad Looking because Our Manager Manny Acta got out managed late. He ran out of position players. Too many substitutions with the game still close. And, why--with the bases loaded, one out in the bottom of 9th--game tied--did Tony Batista pinch hit for the lefthanded swinging Ryan Langerhans against the righthanded throwing Rafael Soriano? Coming off the bench cold in a rainy affair--no way Tony's ready. And, he wasn't, striking out badly on three pitches.

Frustrating--because Jesus Flores followed, now with two outs--and actually MOVED OUT OF THE WAY OF AN INSIDE FASTBALL. A Soriano pitch that Flores should have taken for the team. A GAME WINNING HIT BY PITCH!! Yet, he made every effort to avoid the ball. What was he thinking? Scott, John and I WENT NUTS!!! Of course--Flores flied out to center to end the threat.

Loathsome because all the lineup changes left Nook Logan, Robert Fick and FLop hitting back, to back, to back. During the 8th, 10th & 12th innings--this trio stepped to the plate--and provided just one walk (Fick)--ABSOLUTELY NO OFFENSE. Dmitri Young and Justin Maxwell had already been taken out.

And finally--got downright grisly--when Jesus Colome (The Human Rain Delay for his very deliberate style on the mound) stepped out of the bullpen for the 13th inning--and allowed the game deciding three runs. Again--since his return from surgery and the Disabled List--Our Number 43 has not been good.

A Five Hour 13 Minute Marathon that lasted 13 innings. A dejecting 8-5--wet and very soggy loss.

If all of us in Section 320 are going to wait out any baseball game until that very last moment (like we always do)--one that does not end until 12:30AM--We don't want to go home dejected. Yet, we all did this morning. Yeah, this one was a stinker.

Game Notes & Highlights:


Despite a 32 pitch first inning from Matt Chico--allowing three runs--he settled down nicely and actually pitched a decent six innings. Nothing great, nothing awful. But, as BangTheDrumNatly mentioned--"Our Starter In Training" is sort of like Chad Cordero--played out over six innings, instead of just one. Always heart palpitating--never are you fully confident the job can be done.

Ryan Zimmerman SMOKED a first pitch fastball off Tyler Yates in the bottom of the seventh. A liner to right that JUST made it over the wall for a Two Run Homer, also scoring Ronnie Belliard who had singled in front of him. At that time--the go ahead and winning runs making the score 5-3 Washington. That shot--I am pretty sure is only Ryan's second homer to the opposite field at RFK Stadium. And, his first--directly to right. To get that pitch over the wall--"Z" had to get ALL OF THAT.


Our Number 11's 24th Homer of 2007 gives him 87 RBI for the year.

In the top of the 8th--Washington up by two--Big Jon Rauch had all but struck out Andruw Jones on a checked swing. An over ruled call by First Base Umpire Tim Tschida that directly led to Jones doubling over Pena's head (should have been caught). Matt Diaz followed with a two out blooper to center--between Belliard and Nook Logan. A game changing moment that got worse, when Chad Cordero came on in the 9th--allowing a sharp single off his own foot to Edgar Renteria and the Blown Save double to Chipper Jones to tie this ballgame. You talk about a pissed off Home Crowd. Just about every single Nationals Fan raising their arms in disgust over this play.

So--if Justin Maxwell is going to start once or twice--why is he being replaced by NOOK LOGAN? Defensively--Logan may have slightly more range--but "J-MAX" has the hitting tools. Its September--Our Washington Nationals have little to play for. Why was Justin taken out late? Is not the sole reason he is here--is to learn. I think we know what Nook can, and can not do.

There were TWO PRESIDENTS RACES TONIGHT/THIS MORNING. The Usual one in the middle of the 4th. And, the second in the middle of the 13th. Abe Lincoln won both events. But, TEDDY--YES TEDDY!!--ran hard both times--finishing second. In fact, during the early morning jaunt--Teddy led most of the way. Those few hundreds still on hard--responded with its loudest cheers during the extra innings played.

Finally--for the final 10 Home Games at RFK--Our Washington Nationals are wearing a commemorative patch on their right jersey sleeve. The 1962-2007 RFK Salute Artwork. The Team Store was selling them this evening--along with a Special Pennant and Baseball.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Pablo Martinez Monsivais

My Conversation With Frank Howard (Part Two)

“It was the next to last series that year (1973), in Detroit, on a Friday night," said Frank Howard ("Hondo" finished his career with The Tigers). "Its rainy, sleeting, cold—45 or 50 degrees. Everybody is freezing their rear ends off. Maybe 5,000 have actually shown up at Tiger Stadium. We are well out of it (the playoffs). Jimmy Palmer (Baltimore Orioles) has us shut out on two hits going into the bottom of the 5th inning. Somebody always asks me whether there was a defining moment in your career, when you know your career is over with. Well, this was it for me.”

“We get two base runners ahead of me with nobody out. So, I am told to grab a bat (to pinch hit for Eddie Brinkman). You don’t want to hold up the game. You do a couple of GI Stretches—couple of practice swings. Remember, its 45 to 50 degrees in the ballpark. So, I always say anytime you make contact off Jim Palmer, in your mind as a hitter—it had to be a rope. You usually didn’t make that kind of contact off him. Talk about a good live fastball. Palmer had one. Great curve ball too. He had the most fluid motion. The ball just whew!! Whoosh!! (Howard using his right forearm to display velocity), jumped right out at you. I call it afterburner speed. His ball appeared to pickup steam as it gets near the plate. A Quality fastball that he could place right here (Up and In). Well, anyway—I hit a ball off Jimmy past the bag at third base. You think it’s a bullet in your mind. I'm believing two bases. I get out of the box. I look up, thinking that baseball is rattling around in the leftfield corner. And, here’s that great third baseman for Baltimore—Brooks Robinson—he’s got me played just back of the bag—on the line. He backhands me. Goes BING!!—BING!!—BING!! (motioning with his hands around the fictitious bases). I make three outs with one swing of the bat. I hit into a Triple Play!! I use to have nightmares about it—REALLY!! You don’t have to tell me now---I know my career is OVER!! (laughing). So, I always tell Jimmy—‘You got me released in Detroit.’ He asked me: ‘You remember that!!’ ‘Sure, I remember—its embarrassing to hit into a Triple Play. One that signified the end of my career.’

Typical Frank Howard. He could make you believe he wasn't much of a ballplayer. But, "Hondo" was a very good Major League Baseball Player. A career that started out strongly. One that found him crowned the 1960 National League Rookie of The Year. Yet, he wasn't 100% during those early years. As we pick up My Conversation With Frank Howard--we begin at the start of his Major League Career.


“When I came to LA, I had a bad arm. I hurt my right arm in Los Angeles (for The Dodgers). I played my first two years there, before they operated on it. Playing through a lot of pain—I didn’t have the type of years I really should have had. And, it wasn’t so much an adjustment to the new league (when traded to Washington)—actually The American League was a better league for me—because they had the bigger ballparks back at that time. As a hitter, you would see the four seam fastball, curveballs in American League. The National League had smaller ballparks—I was a better high ball hitter than low ball hitter. The National League, with those smaller ballparks, had everybody throwing sinker and slider—everything down in the (strike) zone. Every pitch had movement on it.”

“But, my first two years, I couldn't throw a baseball from here to that wall (about 10 feet away)—without it killing me. But, then—they took the chips out and everything was OK. My improvement (as a player) came from more playing time. We win The World Championships in 1959 and 1963 (The Dodgers) out there in Los Angeles. ’59 I was up and down—back and forth. I was eligible for the playoff. But, they didn’t put me on The World Series Roster. Still, they (LA) gave me a World Series Ring and a one-half share. Which was very kind of them. Of course, I made a little contribution in the 1963 series—not much (never one to talk about himself, "Hondo" hit a clutch Home Run in The Dodgers Series Clinching Victory over The New York Yankees that year). Then, of course—I got traded to The Washington Senators. 'First in War, First in Peace and DEAD Last in The American League' (chuckling) at that time. And, people ask me—‘Frank, what’s the difference between winning and losing? Is it psychological, what is it?’ Well, in my mind—anything can snowball for you—a positive way or a negative way—if you let it. Quite simply, the difference, I see, is (The Dodgers had) Don Drysdale, Tommy Davis and Maury Wills; Ron Fairly, Willie Davis and Sandy Koufax. Any three combined together, are quality players. That’s what separates the Big Boys from those guys in the second half of any league.”


“That’s again where those scouts come in. If they can get you that exceptional talent that you can develop—George Brett, Alex Rodriguez, Willie Stargell, Willie McCovey and Willie Mays. If you can get two or three guys like that with talent, you are going to be very competitive.”

“But, someone said to me (upon being traded to The Senators):’Isn't that not a big letdown for you?’ I said: ‘No, its not.' Where I was getting 425 At Bats in Los Angeles, I am going to get 550 to 600 At-Bats in The American League. It will give me a chance to make a little better wage.(His trade to The Senators was a good decade before Free Agency arrived for players).”


I always thought The Senators actually had some good players. Ken McMullen (third baseman) was a far better player than what history has remembered him as? (SBF)

(Nodding his head in agreement) “Well, he was. I’ll tell you what. Ken was a well above average third baseman. He had a very accurate arm and was a good low fastball hitter. You are exactly right—he was a much better player than remembered. But, you don’t get that type of recognition, when you play on a second division club. This is America. America Loves Winners!!”

“Now, there is nothing wrong with that. And, we don’t play to lose. We play to win. Look at Ernie Banks. Probably, the only player in the history of 145 years of Major League Baseball, who won back to back Most Valuable Player Awards on a last place club. He never saw a World Series. Yet, he's recognized as a great player. Who knows, if he had played with The Yankees, played with somebody that won five or six World Series—He would have been a Demigod. He is—in my mind. On a winner—he would have been classified as one. Just a GREAT PLAYER!!”



It's very true. Dick Bosman and Joe Coleman were fine pitchers for those late 1960’s Washington Senators also. Yet, not remembered because of who they played for. (SBF)

“They were definitely steady players. When you consider a ball club (like the Expansion Senators) that is going to end up 25 or more games under .500--then have two pitchers like Bosman and Coleman who win 12-15 Games each per season--You’ve had ONE HELL OF A YEAR!!’ The Clubs only going to win 70 or so—and they are winning 12, 13, 14 or 15. That’s pretty outstanding.”

But, no matter what talent you have—its tough to win in The Majors, isn't it? (SBF)

“Oh—people don't even realize how difficult it is to even finish .500, 81-81. Today, it might get you to the playoffs, but its not going to get you to The World Series. But, you have to get to that level first—before you can seriously consider being a contender. Sure, there are rare exceptions, where you jump from 75 Wins to 92 Wins—But, you could probably count them on the fingers on your two hands. The Key is to get to that .500 Level and hopefully have that good player or two coming—where they will get you over the hump to that 95, 96 win range.”


You look at that 1969 season, the only time The Expansion Senators ever were above .500—was Ted Williams the difference--or was it the players? (SBF)

“He had a GREAT IMPACT. He also had a fine coaching staff. Nellie Fox, Joe Camacho, Sid Hudson was the Pitching Coach, a few more. But, you are going to get an exceptional year when everyone is having Career Years. Remember, it was an Expansion Year (The Seattle Pilots & Kansas City Royals joined The American League; The San Diego Padres and MONTREAL EXPOS—The National League). So, if you look at all the great offensive years—such as (Roger) Maris breaking Babe Ruth’s Home Run Record (1961)—and that’s said with the UTMOST RESPECT toward Roger. All those great offensive years—1961 & 1962 (Los Angeles Angels and Washington Senators in the AL. The Houston Colts, New York Mets in the NL.). My best year as a Dodger was 1962—Expansion Year. You wouldn’t think two more clubs or twenty more pitchers in the league would make it that thin. But, it was career years there. And, we were having the same kind of a year (1969), when we sort of went into a tank. I think we lost about 14 & 15 in a row—most all by one or two runs in most of those games.”

“People have asked me about him (Ted Williams). And, I have met a lot of great men in our business. A LOT OF GREAT MEN!! But, he is probably the Most Charismatic/Electric type individual I have EVER MET IN MY LIFE. We all like to consider ourselves good American Patriots, but this guy spent five and one half of his prime years in the United States Armed Services. He did it willingly. Never, ever, did he bitch about it or even talk about it—unless someone brought it up. He might then casually dive into it. A TRUE PATRIOT. He and Tom Yawkey (Long Time Family Owner) of The Red Sox raised millions of dollars, and Millions and MILLIONS of dollars for The Jimmy Fund, a Cancer Fund for Kids.”

“He (Williams) was really an amazing man. Light years ahead of the game when it comes to hitting a baseball—round bat, round ball—hit it square. Boy, HE WAS SOMETHING!! And, he was a JOY TO PLAY FOR!! I know that for a fact.”

“I am in Spring Training three days (1969). You know he is a BASEBALL ICON. But, you really don’t know (at that point) what type of guy he is? What type of guy he is going to be, to play for? So, I am in Spring Training three days, Freddy Baxter—The Clubhouse Man—comes up to me—‘Boss wants to see you.’ (Howard talking almost quietly, unnerved, repeating this line). OH!! (Shaking his head up and down—me chuckling). I was running pretty good in those days—both on and off the field. So, I knocked on his office door (Hondo raps the table next to him repeating the sound). ‘You want to see me Skip?’
‘Yeah Bush (came the reply). Come in here (waving Howard into the room).’ He (Williams) called everyone ‘Bush’—Bush Leaguer. ‘Can you tell me how a guy can hit 44 Home Runs and only get 48 bases on balls?’—Ted said. Well, I say: ‘I try to be aggressive.’ Williams interrupts: ‘YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!! I’ve seen you hit that first little swifty when you get the chance.’ I respond: ‘Well, I better like that number 1 or that 2, 3 or 4—slider or change are UFO’s!!’ Williams responds: ‘What do you mean—UFO’s??’ ‘Unidentified Flying Objects!!—I tell him (laughing). So, he starts to laugh (both of us are busting out also). He says, ‘Do you ever take two strikes to get that real good pitch to move on?’ I said: ‘Skip, if I took two strikes to get a good pitch to move on—I would be walking back to the dugout 300 times per year—not 150 times (both of us continuing to laugh). Now, Ted’s laughing now. He said: ‘Could you take a strike?’ Well, I said; ‘anybody can hit with a strike.’”

“And that story brings up something important to me. We always talk about plate discipline, pitch selection. In my mind, you can count the really good two strike hitters in 145 years of baseball probably on four hands and four feet. Maybe—30 or 40 of them in the history of this game. Players that could consistently hit with two strikes. Wade Boggs, Billy Madlock, oh there are a lot of them (Rod Carew? SBF). Yes--what a hitter!! But, the point is—anyone can hit with a strike.”

“Now—Williams says to me: ‘I am talking about whether it’s a good tough fastball or good location—something other than what you are looking for. Try it for me (take a strike call every once in a while), be patient.’

“Alright, I said. Well, I tell you what it did. For me, it took a hitter that was overly aggressive—the strike zone (for Howard) the bill of my cap to my shoe laces—(horizontally) six to 8 inches off the plate. And, tunneled down to a more disciplined area. I am certainly not going to have a strike zone of (Harmon) Killebrew or (Willie) Mays, or (Al) Kaline, OR WILLIAMS—because those guys--you always had to throw four strikes. They know that strike zone. But, Williams did take me from that real large circle of concentration into a much smaller one. I began to lay off a few more breaking balls that were out of the dirt and the strike zone. I started laying off those high borderline fastballs that were up and out of the strike zone. I ended up getting more 2-0, 3-1, hitters counts than I had EVER GOTTEN in my life.”

“As a result, my On Base Percentage went up. He (Ted Williams) was just light years ahead (when it came to batting knowledge) of everybody. He didn’t mess much with you mechanically—if you had played 6-8 years in the Big Leagues—unless you had absolutely no success. Then, he would make some mechanical changes for you. But, he NEVER MESSED with your head. He was an thinking man’s hitter.”


Well, he made Eddie Brinkman a petty good hitter in 1969. (SBF)

“Yeah, you know Eddie Brinkman had always been a great fastball hitter. Believe it or not—he never really hit much for average. But, all of us were susceptible to the off speed pitches. 'Wimpy' (Brinkman) did well under him."

When you played the game—you used a really heavy bat. Today, many players use a far lighter bat at the plate to create faster movement through the strike zone. What do you think about that? (SBF)

“Well, I honestly don’t know if the wood is as good these days. Now, I am sure that Super Player gets Good Wood, but you see so many bats break today. I don’t believe the wood has had time to age properly. Getting back to (Ted) Williams. He said: ‘You like wide grain or thin grain?’ I said: ‘I like wide grain.’ Williams responds: ‘Man, I love thin grain. Look, you order six dozen bats. At the end of the season, go through them—see the ones you think have the good wood. You might have six to eight you might send back to Louisville (Slugger—Bat Manufacturer). You take a little linseed oil and rub it on them with a little resin—bone it in. Then, let the bats sit in a dry room all winter long. Don’t even take them to Spring Training. So, when you come back north, you will have had seven months of aging.’

“Much more solid bats. I think because they (bat producers) make so many bats for so many teams—I don’t think you get the (good) wood in the bats that you use to. But, if I had to hit today, I think I would still use the same length bat—but an ounce lighter. I was a 36.5—35 ounce guy. I would go today to 36.5 length, but 34 ounce. It would give me the opportunity to move the bat a little deeper into the hitting area.”

I ran into Sam McDowell a few weeks ago in the Orlando Airport. He said you always killed him!! (SBF)

“I have heard guys say ‘I own this pitcher. I own this batter. I own this guy.’ No, we service that account. We don’t own it (laughing). We don’t own that pitcher, we service him. We compete with him. You always say you hit this guy, that guy--that’s all a bunch of bologna. It would be interesting to see what your lifetime average would be against these guys. I would bet its not what you would think it is. But, any lefthander, I would take my chances, no matter what kind of equipment he had. Number one---the breaking ball in always going to come in to speed up your bat. Number two—their fastball is usually going to tail away. So, you have to stay with him a little longer—thinking in terms of that opposite power alley. If they do make a mistake with that breaking ball, its going to speed up to my pull field. And, if it’s a mistake, its already elevated. All you need to do is get your bat on it. The fat part of the bat on the baseball.”

“But, I got to tell you he (McDowell) had great stuff. WHEW!!!!" (he threw hard—SBF) "Yes, Wow--did he ever!!"


What was it like to hit at RFK Stadium? Many players today claim the fences are too deep. (SBF)

“I think one of the reasons why (the complaints) is because of many of the parks being built today are so fan friendly—which they should be—their dimensions are a little shorter. And, these players see the smaller ballparks and say: ‘Geez—we are hitting in a mausoleum here.’ I have had writers ask me about it. But, there is no question that in the spring, with the rain, the cooler weather at night—the ball doesn’t quite jump as well. Daytime, it jumps. Once that warm weather gets here—that baseball jumps all over that ballpark. It’s a fair park (RFK). Not a bad hitters ballpark.”

You liked playing there, didn’t you? (SBF)

“I liked the day games, because I saw the ball a lot better in the daytime. I didn’t mind it. You gotta compete. I didn’t mind the night games. I think for guys with glasses (Howard wore glasses in the late 1960’s), that ball looks like its right on top of you at night. During the daytime—it looks like its sitting on a string, dangling, waiting for you to hit. You know, I asked Al Kaline the exact same question, figuring he would tell me he loves Day Ball. He said: ‘I do love the night time. I see the baseball better at night.’ Now, I have had other guys tell me that—which was tough for me to imagine. You know, I had poor eye sight."


How difficult was the Final 1971 Season for you in Washington?

“That’s a funny thing. Maybe some players had sensed that earlier in the year. I have NO IDEA! (really?—SBF—shocked, and I was to hear this) Yeah, No Idea the franchise was going to be moved. Here again, if I knew then what I know now—I might have suspected it. Because we used to open up on a Monday—the very first game of the year in those days. The day before the regular season opened—the last two years I was with The Senators—we played a Saturday/Sunday exhibition in Dallas—Ft Worth, Texas. Then, fly in on Sunday evening—after a day game—and be at the ballpark next morning at 7AM for Opening Day. But, I had no idea that Franchise was being relocated. And, I did not find out until the night before the word came down. I came back to the team hotel---and our player reps were there. They told me, we were moving. ‘What!!??’ I said. And, they told me we were moving to Dallas—Ft. Worth. Now, there is no question there is an area there that can sustain a Major League Franchise. That’s not said with any sense of criticism—but it was just surprising to me, they (The Senators) were going to relocate their franchise.”

“A City that’s had a team for over 70 years previous to that—it was sad. But, we had some poor clubs there. Its tough to ask people to support us, under those circumstances. To be supported really well—you got to win.”

But, it must have hurt you, and in many respects this moment was the harbinger of things to come, when The Senators traded Eddie Brinkman, Joe Coleman and Aurelio Rodriguez to Detroit for Denny McLain (before the 1971 Season)? (SBF)


“If Denny McLain had not hurt his arm—he may well have been in The Hall of Fame one day. You talk about quality equipment—knowing how to pitch. He was a competitor. He had just electric stuff. But, he hurt his arm. And, it was common knowledge around baseball that he was pitching with a bad gun. Sure, he was still fiercely competitive. But, his equipment wasn’t what it was when he won 31 Games (in 1968). So, we end up giving up one of the outstanding young third basemen in the league (Rodriguez). You give up an outstanding young arm in Joe Coleman. You give up an outstanding defensive shortstop who played 17 years in the big leagues (Eddie Brinkman). You give all that away in ONE DEAL LIKE THAT (Whistling) WHEW!!!!! So, instead of gaining the two or three players you need to get over the hump. You lose three players that were young. They were all young then (remembering almost in disbelief at the tragedy of the trade). It put a pretty big dent in our organization.”

The Killing Trade of The Senators Franchise. (SBF)

“Yes, that trade probably was the thing that killed that franchise—at that time. No doubt (sadly stated).”


I read earlier this year in a book about Curt Flood—the day before he skipped the team in 1971 to fly to Barcelona, Spain---he confided in you that he didn’t have his skills anymore. (Curt Flood fought The Reserve Clause--which stipulated Major League Baseball Player's were basically chattle. He refused a trade from St. Louis to Philadelphia--claiming he should have earned the right to choose his own employer at the end of his contract. As far as Curt Flood was concerned--The Reserve Clause represented SLAVERY. THIS LANDMARK CASE went to The Supreme Court, and THE Final Decision gave Major League Baseball Players their rights in Free Agency. The Beginning of BIG SALARIES. A Victory that Curt Flood NEVER PROFITED FROM. Flood--arguably one of Baseball's MOST IMPORTANT FIGURES--SBF)

“Yeah, he did. I talked to him. He had been out of the game for over one year. You can’t stay away from the game for that long and expect to recapture your skills. ‘Curtis, give it to 125 games. See where you are. If you still feel that way then, do what you got to do. You've been away from this business for a while. You are not going to recapture that right away.’ I tried to sway him into staying and staying the course. But, its tough when you have been that successful, up to that point in his career. And, even though he left the game for a period of time—its tough when you don’t experience that same level of success upon returning. Like I have said before about your last two years in the Big Leagues. You don’t have to be a Rhodes Scholar to see the skills on the down side.”

“Its tough, when you are fouling off pitches that you use to hit 430 feet away from Home Plate. Or, when you are taking a third strike fastball because you can’t react to it. Its disappointing to see your skills erode to a point you know you can’t compete. He expected it to come back easier."

You know, the whole Curt Flood situation is sad. He gave up everything for what he believed in. And lost everything in the long run. Yet, every other player benefited from him. Very sad. (SBF)

“Well, its true. What these young men have today (Free Agency and Large Salaries)—he set the standard (its true—SBF), for everyone. Curtis made it all possible.”

September 30, 1971--that last game at RFK—any recollections you could share? (SBF)


“I came to play, I came to win a game. It’s the only game we won all year long that mattered—and we forfeited. (Long Pause—remembering sadly). Its like you said—you have baseball for over 70 years and then, just like that—you lose it. Of course that led directly to the Washington Folks heading over to Baltimore to watch The Orioles—just wanting to continue seeing Major League Baseball. (I could tell, he really didn't want to talk about that fateful night--not even his FAMOUS LAST HOME RUN AT RFK)"

Washington had a lot to do with Baltimore’s success. (SBF)

“No question about it.”

But he did shock me with this revelation. If you read the Nats320 story "The Night My Washington Senators Died" you might recall how early in the game while Hondo was in the on deck circle preparing to bat, I yelled out to him (as a 12 year old kid): "I am going to miss you Frank Howard!! You are my favorite player!! And how Howard eventually noticed me in the seating section behind The Senators Dugout--pointed his bat at me--and responded: "I'll miss you even more."

While recalling that fateful evening nearly 36 years later Frank Howard says (without any prompting from me)--"I remember hearing this kid say to me that night during the game: "I am going to miss you Frank Howard" while I was getting ready to hit. And I turned around to see this kid in a red plastic batting cap looking right at me--crying.  It was like tunnel vision and for the briefest moment, that was all I could focus on."

Stunned to hear Hondo say this, I respond: "I was that kid! I was with my brother and a few of our friends who attended that game and sat directly behind The Senators Dugout." (SBF)

"No?" (Howard)

"Yes." (SBF) "And I can show you my original story that describes the entire evening."

For about 10 minutes, Frank Howard and I went over that timeless moment, incredible to find out we were linked in time.

Then the conversation continued.

Frank Howard told me one last funny story:

“We got a day-night doubleheader up in Fenway Park (playing for The Senators). 34,000 New Englanders all over me. 'Go to work you clam eaters. I love you too,' I am saying to myself. "I end up striking out my first four times to the plate in the day game. These people are all over me. Whew!! You’re embarrassed. You play to win. You play to help your club win. And, you play to perform well. That’s what they pay me for. I am sitting on the bench and Brinkman (his roommate with Washington) sits down next to me and says: ‘You going to feature a little contact before this wake is over?’ ‘Zip it,’ I said. ‘You haven’t had a base hit in over two weeks. And, you are going to get all over me!!??’ He’s laughing. A phenomenal person to play with. (Remembering fondly). We were like brothers. Still are today. Probably, my Best Friend (honestly--I could see Howard thinking about his good times with Ed Brinkman--those moments were flashing in front of him-SBF).”

“So, I said: ‘Don’t worry about it Wimpy. Get on base in the 9th—and I’ll pop one into the net and we’ll win a ballgame.’ Sure enough, The Sox were up two runs in the top of the 9th with two outs. Wimpy gets a two out base hit. That’s the first hit he’s had in weeks—and he’s getting all over me (laughing). So, anyway—Arthur Lee Maye follows with a single. I am now the winning run. And, we do play to win. Not to lose. We want to win. Eddie Kasko (Red Sox Manager) makes a pitching change. This doesn’t look too good. Some three-quarters righthander is going to bury that slider/sinker on me. I know he’s not going to give me a fastball. So, I am sitting on a slider. He throws me one—strike one. Sitting on a slider—whew!! Strike Two. Now, I am thinking this guy might overthink and straighten me up with a fastball. Sure enough—he throws me a fastball. And, if I was--in stroke—I would have hit it on Landsdowne Street (over the Green Monster Wall at Fenway). But, I fouled it straight back. So, I am trying to stay focused, relaxed—get concentrated---locked in on this guy and help us win a game.”

“I look out at second base and Wimpy is waving his hands. His signaling ‘FIVE AND DOWN!! FIVE AND DOWN!!—you are going down again!!!’ Sure enough, this Sox pitcher spins a breaking ball and I strike out five straight times in a Big League Game. I wanted to kill him!! (Brinkman). I was chasing him up the runway (both of us busting out laughing). He’s laughing, also. He went upstairs—had his chicken dinner—as it was a day/night doubleheader. The only park where they did this at that time (late 60’s, early 70’s). Everybody else played traditional doubleheaders. I am having my cup of coffee and Brinkman says to me: ‘How you doing?’ ‘How do you think I am doing?’ He says: ‘Try bunting for a base hit the second game.’ (chiding Big Frank) ‘No, I am going up on that net before this day is over with,’ I stated.

So, here we are—the same 34,000 people all over me once again. I strike out my first time to the plate. Six straight times—which is a Major League Record. But, its not the kind you want to set. I come up for a 7th time. These folks have been on me for 6 hours. I mean all over me. Come up a 7th time with a runner at first base—hit a one hopper to Rico Petrocelli—bang, bang—they double me up!!! The only guy in 145 years of Major League Baseball to make 8 outs in 7 At-Bats, six of them strikeouts!! And, I get a STANDING OVATION FROM THE RED SOX FANS AT FENWAY PARK!! (Smiling in appreciation of his moment)."

As usual--that's Frank Howard making fun of himself--My Favorite Player Of All Time!!

Honestly--I didn't know what to expect from him in person, one on one. Many times--a player's pubic image is far different than his private one. Yet, "Hondo" was funny, kind, gracious and truly interested in chatting with me. He had invited me into his home. "I hope you have enjoyed our time together half as much as I did with you," he told me. "This was fun."

Yeah, it was.

But, more importantly, Frank Howard let me experience a different side of his demeanor. One, I had never seen before. The Serious, Knowledgeable Baseball Expert that understands This Great Game. Wisdom and Schooling that enlightened me more than anyone I have chatted with about baseball, in depth--for some time. Really--"Hondo" is a keen observer and educated baseball man. Expertise that really should not be lost.



Before I left his home, Frank Howard was kind enough to sign two 8X10's of the pictures he took with Sohna and I at The Pearsons Wine Autograph Session. Then, I presented him with a special momento. A bound copy of each of my personal stories of "Hondo" and My Washington Senators. Posts that have all appeared right here on The Nats320 Blog.

He was touched, telling me: "I will show them to my son (who has put together a Howard Memorabilia Collection). We'll put them in Our Scrapbook. How about that!? Thank you so very much for your kindness," Howard concluded.

With that--he walked me to my car. As Frank Howard stuck out his right hand to thank me for coming, I not only shook his hand back--but responded in the very same way I did as a 13 year old--the very next time I saw him after My Washington Senators returned to Baltimore as The Texas Rangers. I went for the hug. "You're a Good Man," I said. Returning the embrace, Frank Howard said laughing: "Some people like to believe that."


My time was now officially up. As I drove away--"Hondo" yelled out--"You know how to out of here, RIGHT!!??. If you don't--just call."

So down to earth.

I waved back--chuckling to myself. Frank Howard my not believe it. But, he really is--A GREAT MAN!!

And, The Finest Player to Call RFK Stadium his Home!!

My Conversation With Frank Howard

“For everything that hasn’t gone my way, or I would like to have gone my way—a thousand great things have happened. And, to still be active in this game, this business—but, really IT IS just a game. Too still be active after 48 years in baseball and have someone think you can still make a contribution, in fact—minimal. But, that minimal impact is better than none at all!! Really, I am flattered that someone still thinks I can do that.”

Frank Howard was sitting comfortably in a lounge chair on the back veranda of his Washington, DC area home. The Finest Player to ever call RFK Stadium his Home Park as a Washington Senator--was reminiscing about his very long career in Professional Baseball. Always humble and gracious towards others--if you didn't know--"Hondo" would never tell you--he had one very fine Major League Career Himself. Recipient of Two World Series Rings as a member of The Los Angeles Dodgers--Numbers "9" & "33" for Washington--from 1968 to 1970 he was arguably--The Most Feared Hitter in Baseball. And, he was OURS!! DC's Favorite Son. Four Time All Star. A Two Time American League Home Run Champion (1968, 1970). And, the 1970 AL RBI Leader.

There was NO PLAYER--Quite like "Hondo".


Did he EVER SWING ONE MEAN BASEBALL BAT!! If Howard caught ahold of a pitch--that ball was heading out of the park. 382 Career Home Runs--including some MAMMOTH SHOTS. Those White Seats painted in the Upper Deck at RFK Stadium--all represent Homers hit by Big Frank. In 1968--"Hondo" slugged 10 Home Runs in one week and actually launched a baseball OUT of TIGER STADIUM.


Frank Howard was The FACE OF MY WASHINGTON SENATORS!! And, as well documented here on The Nats320 Blog--My Favorite Player of All Time!! "Hondo" was My Hero!!--as a Child Growing up in Alexandria, Virginia; as a Teenager and Emerging Baseball Player. And, as a Working Adult in life-well after my sports career ended. Frank Howard has always been special to me. A larger than life figure--that stood out each and every time I attended one of those 60 Home Games of My Senators--from 1966 to 1971. Memories, which I shall cherish--forever.

With Our Washington Nationals about to close out their three seasons of play at venerable RFK Stadium--it was important--for me--to seek out Frank Howard to get his feelings about HIS TIMES--playing in The Nation's Capital and for My Washington Senators. No One--not a single baseball player thrived so well, while playing at The Old Ballyard on East Capitol Street--for an extended period of time. "Hondo"--so well known and beloved in Washington, The DC Sports & Entertainment Commission--in conjunction with The DC Commission of The Arts & Humanities--has commissioned a Special Statue of Frank to stand at New Nationals Park on South Capitol Street. Art Works that will also include Walter Johnson and Josh Gibson.


When Sohna and I attended the special Pearson Wines Frank Howard Autograph Session on August 4th--I reached out to Frank Howard to gauge his interest in speaking to me for an interview. Engaging as always--he was kind enough to give me a contact number. Over a period of time--we were able to meet. Wanting to record, not only his thoughts--but his facial expressions for emphasis--"Hondo" was kind enough to invite me to his home.


Outgoing and Friendly as always--Howard met me in his front driveway and invited back to his Veranda. There we sat and just talked. And, talked--AND TALKED SOME MORE. Without even realizing the passing of time--2 and 1/2 hours later--we were finally done. My original premise was to question Frank on his life and times as A Washington Senator. What I found, was a KNOWLEDGEABLE HISTORIAN OF THE GAME. And, what some will say--is one of finest talent scouts of the past 30 years. Frank Howard knows his baseball--and how to develop capable players.



Sure--we talked about his career--but I found-- "Hondo" doesn't praise himself. He only applauds others. When Frank Howard does tells a story involving his baseball career--most certainly--its about his failures. How many players would state "Those white seats at RFK--are for all my Home Runs!! Those Yellow Seats--are for all my strikeouts!!"

Or, "I never had the best eyesight. I wore glasses. So, when I played Winter Ball in The Dominican (Republic)--the lights were so bad--it was like hitting in Braille!"

That's Funny--That's Self Deprecating--That's The Frank Howard--I Did Not Know.

"I don't live in the past, only the present. I play for today." Frank told me.


Over the next two days--as the Final Countdown to the last game at RFK STADIUM commences--My Conversation with Frank Howard will appear in two parts. "Hondo" will share his thoughts about Our Washington Nationals and their development. Tomorrow--its all about The Washington Senators. Some Great Stories and Memories. Then, at a later date, will come more. "Hondo" was a gracious host. He gave me enough material for a good many more stories. Honestly, I could not have asked more, from his generousity. After this 2007 Season ends--a series of narratives will appear--covering Frank Howard's substantial knowledge of Professional Baseball. He is quite the fascinating character. Insight and awareness of THE GREAT GAME, that should not be lost.

At 71 Years of Age--Frank Howard is a still in player development/scouting--working for The New York Yankees. A position in baseball he is very very proud to hold. At a time when most would be enjoying The Golden Years--My Favorite Player of All Time!!--still LOVES THE GREAT GAME!!--as his profession.

“Its really been a fun career," said Frank. "A roller coaster ride. We were doing the (Kids) Clinic (August 17) and my wife was going to pick me up at 12:30PM. But the signing (autograph session for kids) took a while longer. I headed into The Clubhouse (at RFK) to shower. I had my field stuff on—and Pat Corrales was in there. We coached together in New York and we coached against each other-and even managed against each other at The Big League Level. But, I see Pat as representative of what The Washington Nationals stand for—Fierce Competitor, Very Knowledgeable—Brilliant Guy--Really. He (Corrales) will come after you on the field of play. I said to him: ‘You know Pat, they can take a lot of things away from us—but they can’t take our friendships away.’ (nodding knowingly to himself) Those are the types of bonds that you grow over 48 years. Important remembrances that stay with you. Really those friendships carry you in the latter portions of your career—whether you are coaching, scouting—whatever. But, I told him: ‘I’ve been in baseball 48 years—Win, Lose or Draw—I find it very admirable, I truly respect it—Win, Lose or Draw—your Organization (The Nationals) comes right after the competition full bore--each and every day.’ And, I mean it—I have never seen that club give up. I’ve seen them play poorly. I’ve seen them play very well. But, I have never seen them in cruise control—putting in time and going through the motions. It’s a very admirable trait.”


“Bobby Boone and I were talking that day. And, their Organization (Washington) is like any other Organization. You NEVER HAVE ENOUGH PLAYERS!! We (Teams in General) are always two to three players short. We are always looking for those two or three players that will get us over the hump to the playoffs and, hopefully—The World Series. Then, Hopefully—WIN THE WORLD SERIES!!”

“I said to him: ‘Your scouts will get you the players. You are going the right route. I believe in feeder systems. The Farm System.' Our Organization (The New York Yankees) is different but in NEW YORK—NEW YORK!!, if you don’t win The World Series every year, its just another year (both of us chuckling—Hondo—rolling his eyes back a little in laughter). And, its no question that in any organization—it starts at the top. No question about it. But, you hope it filters down and filters back up. Like right now—(The Yankees) are in the process of rebuilding our own Farm System. We are in the process of rebuilding. Because you know we’ve traded away prospects over the years to get other teams Randy Johnson’s, Raul Mondesi’s, the Weaver’s (Jeff)—whoever we needed, like Gary Sheffield to get us to The World Series. So, when you rob Peter, to pay Paul, you ultimately pay the price. But, We ARE COMING BACK (Confidently). Because we have to come back. And, even though we are The New York Yankees, we are going to have to, eventually, develop our own feeder system. Its your most consistent and stable flow of talent to the Big Leagues.”

“Of course—you are not going to get a bonafide prospect every year—unless you have an unusual run of luck. But, if you can get one (prospect) every other year—A Bonafide Prospect.--A player that’s going to be WELL ABOVE MAJOR LEAGUE AVERAGE—you will be competitive. And, you will make a run (for a championship) at some people.”

“I was telling Bobby; ‘You guys get a couple more Scouts. Some have asked me what was more important—a good manager—or some good scouts. It’s a good question—but, bottom line is-- a Good Scout can get you THE PLAYERS to make you a Good Manager. For years, I taught hitting. Some asked whether I could really help as an instructor. My answer: ‘Yeah, if he CAN HIT.’ (Both of laughing--but it’s a true statement.)

“So, you have to have enough latent talent. Then, you start developing it. You take what you got and you go to the post with it. And, you run with it—as hard a you can. But, I think it’s a credit to their organization (The Nationals) from top to bottom. In fact, I met the new owners (The Lerners) for that Congressional Game. They’ve been successful in real estate and other ventures. But, there’s a reason for that success. They know what they are doing. I am sure they are going to work for Stan Kasten (Team President). I understand what those men stand for. They stand for Excellence (sincerely stated).

I think Stan Kasten has been good at teaching them The Game of Baseball and how to build a team from scratch? (SBF)

“Yeah---that's true. Coming out of The Braves Organization (Kasten), you are talking about stability. 14 straight playoff appearances. And, there again—it’s the Farm System and their Scouts who have done an outstanding job finding that type of raw, young talent. But, they also have great teachers. And, that’s what it takes.”

“You get the best possible athlete you can get. Your scouts do that. Then, its up to your player development people—your instructors—your minor league managers—your rovers (instructors)--to give those youngsters the best possible advice and learning methods.”

"I have had many a minor league manager ask me: 'What do you think?’ (about a certain player). So, I say—‘I am going to give you one man’s opinion—insight into what I have seen for 48 years.' Let’s say we have 150 players in our minor league system. In most organizations roughly 10.8% of them are going to get to the Big Leagues. Now, if you have an exceptionally strong feeder system, you might get 11, 12—maybe 13% of them there (to the Majors). But, even at those numbers—17 or 18 (total players), tops—are going to make it to The Big Leagues. Well, five or six—are going to have a cup of coffee (minimal playing time—if much at all). They will be up and down—up and down—back and forth. Five or six of them are going to fill platoon roles, pinch hit roles, defensive roles—spell a player--here and there. The utility type. Finally, the five or six—that are going to have an impact on your ball club—you hope three of them are what you classify as A FRANCHISE PLAYER. But, the easiest thing to say is that this kid will not ever make the Big Leagues. Well, I’d be right 89.2% of the time. Or, 88% of the time. Or, 87% of the time—depending upon how strong your feeder system is. But, we have an obligation in player development to give each and every young player in our organization an opportunity to go as far as their baseball acumen and their baseball skills will take them. We are going to have to turn in evaluation reports. Let’s start here with the positives. He’s very strong in these area’s here—bing, bing, bing (counting off on his fingers). He’s a little short in these area’s here---bing, bing, bing. Maybe these are the area’s were we can make him acceptable or upgrade him or improve him in. But, you NEVER START OFF WITH THE NEGATIVE. I hear in meetings all my life ‘He can’t play!! He can’t play!! He can’t do this. He can’t do that.’ (Putting up his hands as a stop sign)"

"‘Wo, Wo!! What are we here for!!?? Can we help the boy?’ Now, maybe we can, or maybe we can’t—but we have got to put forth that effort and thought to making him the best possible player we can make him."

Its funny how you always hear teams complaining about what their players can’t do. (SBF)

(Pointing Excitingly) “That’s EXACTLY RIGHT!! Even the players know their shortcomings—but it does not mean he’s USELESS!! Can we help him? We must deal from their strong suits—their strengths. But, we also must help them improve in their short areas--so they do become a more complete player (pointing strongly)."

The perfect example of that may well be Wily Mo Pena of The Nationals? Many see his shortcomings first—but Jim Bowden (Nationals General Manager) sees a talented player. (SBF)

“He’s (Pena) got a lot of talent!! He originally grew up in The Yankee Organization. Boy, our people (New York Scouts) still RAVE ABOUT HIM!! His Raw Tools making him one of the very best prospects they have EVER SEEN. And, some guys come later. There are those guys that make the adjustment. Then, comes those players where there is no mystery to the game. Those Guys are in Cooperstown (Hall of Fame)—[Both of us chuckling over the truth]. There is NO MYSTERY for them. They come into The Big Leagues and there is NO DOUBT. Most others always have a little doubt about whether we can compete at that level successfully.”

How would you compare fan support for The Senators, as compared to The Nationals? (SBF)

“We just didn’t have enough of them then!! (sincerely). But, Great Fans!! To this day, I run across guys of my age—or guys that grew up watching The Washington Senators. They always say: ‘Win, Lose or Draw---they were always Our Ball Club.’ It wasn’t a question of being fundamentally sound. Or, playing hard nose, clean baseball. We never played dirty baseball. Because Washington Clubs came right at you—always. But, it was a question of not having—said with due respect to those I played with—loved and adored them all—but we didn’t have enough latent talent to compete with the good clubs. But, the fans were GREAT!!! (Big Smile) The Fans were Great.”

“The Nationals current organization, and they are aware of this. There are some bright baseball people down there. The AURA of getting baseball back to The Nation’s Capital will last for three or four years. The AURA of a new stadium will last three or four years. Then, you have got to put a competitive product out there. This is America, people love winners. If you have a competitive winning ball club—you are going to draw well. That could be in Kokomo, Iowa; that could be in Indianapolis, Indiana; it could be in Columbus, Ohio. Anywhere.”

Were you happy to see baseball return to DC? (SBF)

“It’s an amazing thing. Baseball left here after the 1971 season. I ran across a few people who wondered whether Washington, DC would ever get a new Major League team again. I said: ‘Within five years!!’ Well, I was right—just nearly three decades off (both of us chuckling). It did return. Baseball’s perception of our area, when WE talk about Washington, DC—WE are talking about the greater Washington, DC area. Their perception (MLB) was that of a one that existed in the 1950’s. Damn Yankees Version. Southern, sleepy city of 250,000 people. Well, today—lets take The Nation’s Capital—south to Richmond, Virginia—90 miles away—you have 2.5 million people. If you take it west, toward the Shenandoah Valley—75 miles away---through Fairfax and Loudoun Counties—you have 3 million with a growth factor of four--in the next twenty years. You go north to Montgomery County, Maryland—as far as Frederick or Hagerstown—another 75 miles away—you got another 2 million. And those people are probably, like Connecticut—Northern Connecticut is all Red Sox Territory. Southern Connecticut is all Yankee Territory. So, when you get up in Montgomery County—its a lot like that. Some are great Orioles Fans. Some are becoming great Nationals Fans."

“So, you have 6 to 7 Million people right now to draw from. You’ve got disposable income. You’ve got the Silicon Valley of the East—High Tech Companies around the Dulles Corridor. People who can afford to take their kids out to a Big League Game—six or seven times per year. And, I know it will be. They should be a Major Success in this area. Like I said, I have talked to Bobby Boone. I’ve talked to Pat (Corrales). You don’t have to be a Rhodes Scholar to see that the current organization down there (in DC)—there approach is to sign the very best possible athletes out there and develop them ourselves. They want that stable, consistent flow of talent. In my mind—it’s the right way to go. And, it’s the only way you can go if you are a regional franchise. You have maybe six clubs that can go the other route. The two New York Clubs—15 Million people there. You got two Los Angeles Clubs—another 15 Million people there. You got maybe the two Chicago Clubs—10 to 12 Million people. Although, I am sure they all would love to operate the same way The Nationals operate, through their feeder system. If you are Milwaukee, if you are St. Louis, Kansas City, you are a Minnesota—you have to go through your own feeder system—your own farm system.”

I believe that Washington Ownership realizes that DC provides a unique opportunity for an internationally known and successful franchise and take advantage of that? (SBF)

“And they should. It is an INTERNATIONAL CITY.”

Do you remember that first night of April 14, 2005—when The Nationals played their First Opening Night Game? What did you think about that? (SBF)

“Mr. Steinbrenner called me, along with Brian Cashman (GM) to tell me that baseball was returning to Washington. 'We want to send you up a week early to work with the press. Do whatever they want you to do.' And, I told the press: ‘All of baseball is delighted to see baseball back here (in DC). The Yankees included. And, we wish them all the luck in the world—except when we are playing them in The World Series (smiling broadly).' It’s a great area. There is potential for a market to be tapped that could be self sustaining for years. I have no doubt—it will be a success. Those people (in The Nationals Organization) know EXACTLY what they are doing. They are baseball people.”

And on the field, they are a hustling team. Players that you can appreciate their efforts. (SBF)

“Oh, you better believe that. You add another strong starting pitcher, or another power bat in that lineup--and you take on all comers. That’s true of any organization. Like I said—you never have enough players. The more good players you have, the better odds of going where you want to go.”

And, of course--being the ever humble self--"Hondo's" only comment on Our Washington Nationals Inaugural Home Opener: "I was honored to be allowed to participate in that Opening Night," said Frank Howard. "I enjoyed the moment."

Simply Put--By An Honorable Man.

Tomorrow--in Part Two of My Conversation with Frank Howard--its all about THE WASHINGTON SENATORS.

You Can Only Laugh About It!!

The Pitching was pretty Awful.

The Hitting was pretty Good.

The Fielding by Flop--pretty Awful too. Amazingly, he's getting worse? What's up--he's becoming a bad joke--to the point that you have to laugh--just to get past the silliness?

The Grand Slam by Justin Maxwell--pretty darn good!! No doubt--Justin DOES LOOK LIKE A BALLPLAYER. Maybe he's learning how to play the professional game, as well. That's a good thing.

When 7 pitchers combine to give up 12 Hits and 13 Runs--you are not going to win.

Even on a night--Our Washington Nationals rapped out 13 hits and scored 8 runs of their own.

And, what's with Mike Jacobs? Has he decided to make his season by just pounding away on Washington for the past four games? 3 Homers--9 RBI!! In fact, Their Number 17 has 5 HOMERS against Our Nats this season.

Really, tonight's 13-8 loss you just have to laugh off. It was a rout, a clobbering, a thrashing or maybe even a whipping. Whatever adjective you wish to describe. But, most of all--it was actually funny. Just one of those odd baseball games that get out of hand. An event where you could rest assured--if The Florida Marlins had to come to bat tonight--with the game winning runs at the plate--in any inning--They were going to win. Whether or not anybody was watching in South Florida, or not--Another Dismal Crowd.

Which begs the question? How many more fans were watching tonight's game on MASN in the comfort of their homes--than actually in Attendance at Dolphin Stadium? I'm picking TV--in a landslide-even more watching TV than the ANNOUNCED OFFICIAL ATTENDANCE. Figures for The Marlins--which are pretty laughable too.

And, that's sad-because The Florida Marlins do have some good individual players.


Like--Hanley Ramirez--He's a STUD!! Although--Ryan Zimmerman still deserved Rookie Of The Year over Hanley in 2006.

And--Okay--enough with Mike Bascik. He's a journeyman. He's had his time in the spotlight--and a BIG ONE AT THAT. Time to put in some youngsters to see what more they can do. Nothing personal. If Our Washington Nationals can do something similar to replace My Main Man!! over Wily Mo Pena and Nook Logan--they can do the same with Bascik. There's just over two weeks left in the season. Give someone else a shot. Its not like we have anything else to lose?

Do We?

Ah...NO!

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) J. Pat Carter

PS--Been up since 3AM working on 9/11 Anniversary Stories. Time to go to sleep.

Finding His Game

Unquestionably--Wily Mo Pena has talent. Raw Ability that scouts drool over. Superior speed moving his hands through the strike zone while swinging a baseball bat. That Velocity proven this evening on his first of two home runs at Dolphin Stadium. An absolute LASER, almost one handed swing--off Scott Olsen that JUST got over the left field fence in the 3rd inning. If Our Number 26 could ever understand the more patience he shows at the plate--the better pitches he will receive from the mound--Wily Mo Pena would be a MONSTER HITTER--feared by every opposing pitcher.

Clearly--this 25 year old is appealing, very intriguing and many times frustrating.

Because--on his current pace, If Wily Mo Pena played 162 Games for Our Washington Nationals, he would slam 50 Home Runs. Yet, drive in less than 100 Runs. How Odd is that? I don't think anyone has accomplished that feat. Stats that show both everyone's fascination with him, but his faults--as well. Wily Mo, at a crossroad in his career where he needs to figure out the games nuances. Before, the degree of difficulty in baseball gets the best of him. Really, It's going to be interesting to see what happens to Wily Mo Pena over the long haul.


But, for tonight--he was the difference. A GAME CHANGER. Pena's Two Home Runs led the way. And, thankfully, for Shawn Hill's sake--Our Washington Nationals, not only waited out a 40 minute rain delay, that removed Our Number 41 from the game--but survived a poor performance by Jesus Colome replacing him. Still Hill received his deserved 4th victory of the season, because Jonathan Abaladejo was called on by Our Manager Manny Acta to save him. After Colome gave up a two run homer to Mike Jacobs in the 7th--minutes after the rain delay ended--Manny's Call to The Bullpen found Abaladejo again up to the task--2/3rd scoreless innings pitched. Followed by Big Jon Rauch with his 27th recorded hold in the 8th; and Chad Cordero retiring The Marlins, in order, in the 9th for his 33rd save.

Curly "W" Number 65 not only gave Our Washington Nationals a four game lead over the now Cellar Dwelling Team from South Florida--but also notified their opponents--a real slugger awaits them in The Washington Lineup. Aptness, looking to find his game--in the name of Wily Mo Pena.

Game Notes & Highlights:

Sorry for the Crib Notes Post. I have to be up early and--at the same time--I am working on a special post for The Nats320 blog. My time is very limited right now.


Shawn Hill lowered his ERA to 2.87 with a fairly effective outing. He allowed a no doubt Home Run to Dan Uggla, and was charged with an unearned one when FLop made a crucial error. But, 56 strikes over 81 pitches is a decent ratio. If not for the rain delay in the 7th inning, Shawn would have certainly pitched another frame--if not two. Hard to believe that Shawn Hill was rewarded with his first win since May 11th. May 11th!!! Seems like eons ago.

When Dan Uggla hit that solo Home Run tonight in the 4th inning off Hill--Bob Carpenter on MASN actually said: "With a three run lead, he (Hill) is better off throwing that pitch, his best, rather than his 2nd of 3rd best." What? It was just a stunning comment. Shawn Hill had just given up a home run. How would anything else NOT BE BETTER? Very Confusing.

As for FLop, he fielded another routine grounder in the bottom of the fifth off the bat of Florida's Todd Linden--moving to his left. Only to see Felipe Lopez throw the ball well past the stretching Dmitri Young at first base. FLop's 19th error of the season--allowing The Marlin's second run of this evening. He may not be talking to the media--but maybe Lopez should be talking to himself. Lost is the only way to describe him.

A disoriented look that Jesus Colome has brought to the mound over his last three outings--all against Florida. Our Number 43 having pitched 1.2 innings--allowing 6 runs/5 Earned--Two Home Runs allowed. Since his return from The Disabled List in late August--Colome has looked nowhere near the same dominating performer he was during the first three months of the season. Time off has definitely hurt his momentum. The African Queen calls Jesus "The Human Rain Delay" for his very deliberate approach on the mound. Colome drives Sohna up the wall.


Which directly leads to a halt in play that should have been called, with rain POURING DOWN in the top of the 7th inning--Our Washington Nationals had Wily Mo Pena on second base and Ronnie Belliard at first with no outs. Jesus Flores was at the plate. The rain was so hard--when Flores popped a routine fly to the infield, near third base--no one saw the ball. Not a single Marlin. Not a single National. Not a single Umpire.

Yet, when the ball landed fair, right behind third base--3rd Base Umpire Fieldin Culbreth ruled a fair ball. But, with Wily Mo Pena running to third--The Florida Marlins Third Baseman Miguel Cabrera picked up the baseball and threw to Harvey Garcia to tag out Pena. Home Plate Umpire Tim McClelland ruled Infield Fly Rule. All Pena had to do, was stay on second base. Yet, confused like everyone else over not seeing the baseball--he ran. Just one of those strange, but true occurrences, that surprise you in the game. Of course--The Umpires--now realizing the weather was hampering play--called a Rain Delay, seconds after this debacle. What were the Umpires thinking by allowing play to continue? Clearly--no one could see the baseball properly. What if someone was seriously injured over this mess?

Does anyone in South Florida actually care about Major League Baseball. Sure, I understand its early September, two teams well out of the playoff are playing--yet Our Washington Nationals and The Florida Marlins might as well have played in a high school venue. No one showed up for this game--12,345 the Official Count. Attendance a major problem for The Marlins, pretty much throughout their entire history. How do they make money? The same holds true for The Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Neither Florida Teams seem to have a Fan Base. Why? Are they just poor Markets. Are the owners that bad? Is it because both are not winners. Although, The Marlins have twice won The World Series.

Finally, During the rain delay--The African Queen and I were flipping through the dials on DirecTV. As we came across The Devil Rays/Boston Red Sox game from Fenway--Former National Brendan Harris was batting for Tampa Bay. This William & Mary Product hitting .281 with 10 Home Runs and 55 RBIs. Splitting his duty between Second Base and Shortstop--he has 16 fielding errors in 2007. When Our General Manager Jim Bowden just threw Brendan into last season's big Reds Trade that brought FLop and Austin Kearns here--I felt it a mistake to just give Harris away. He had shown talent--Brendan just needed a chance to play. An opportunity that never developed in Washington--but a situation he has taken advantage of playing for The Devil Rays. Good for him.


PS--Where's Screech When I Need HIM!! How is it that The Radio City Rockettes get to hang out with Billy The Marlin? The Rockettes apparently invited to throw out the First Pitch before tonight's game. My Best Friend--we need to Pow Wow!!

They Are Still Fun To Watch--For Me

To me, Our Washington Nationals are fun to watch for so many different reasons. This Afternoon in Atlanta--many of those validating points played out.

After two straight awful losses to The Atlanta Braves--another Huge Tailspin seemed in the works. Yet, Our Washington Nationals came from behind this afternoon to win, 7-4 at Turner Field.


Our Team is fun because--Just when you think My Main Man!! will never see any significant playing time the remainder of the season--he performs his Finest At-Bat Of The Year. Ryan Church going 8 pitches into a two strike count--fouling off curve ball after off speed pitch--even holding back his swing on a pitch in the dirt from Atlanta's Lance Cormier--all with one out and two runners on in the 6th. Yeah, even I was Stunned at Ryan's Patience. A final pitch that found Our Number 19 slamming a hanging pitch in over the plate to dead centerfield. A Blast that even The Great Fielder, Andruw Jones, had no shot at. A Game Changing go ahead Three Run Home Run, his 12th--that gave MY MAIN MAN!! his career high 57th, 58th & 59th RBI. My Favorite Player not over swinging. Instead, clearly he was seeing the ball well. Good Vision that gave him THE CONFIDENCE to hang on during 7 tough pitches--until Ryan Church got something he knew--he could whack. When it counted the most this afternoon--Church's Plate Appearance was one of the best of this season. An effort that put Washington in front to stay--at that point, 5-3.

How many teams, more than ours, have succeeded with players, looking for an opportunity, then seeing them taking advantage--turning heads in the process? I would imagine--not many. In the 7th inning, Lefthanded Situational Reliever Arnie Munoz, recently recalled from AAA Columbus, called on by Our Manager Manny Acta to put an end to a bases loaded two out situation, set up by Luis Ayala. A Pressure Spot that Munoz seized upon, by getting Chipper Jones to hit into an inning ending force out.

Enjoyable this afternoon to see D'angelo Jimenez have his CAREER DAY in a Washington Nationals Uniform. Three hits, including one double (a near miss home run down the right field line foul) and most importantly--three Runs Batted In. Replacing the slumping FLop, Our Number 6 was successful in Atlanta this Sunday. A key player helping to end a modest two game losing streak. A victory that makes the past two terrible defeats alot more palatable. For once, its nice to be able to write something positive about D'angelo Jimenez.


And amusing to watch youngsters like Jason Bergmann continue carving out a niche for themselves on an ever evolving ball club. A Rising Competitor wearing Number 57 that said during Spring Training he would do anything they ask to be apart of the rotation. Despite two extended stays on The Disabled List--Jason Bergmann has made a name for himself. Being positive, taking advantage of the breaks of the game, and the misfortune of others (due to injury)--he has slowly become a dependable Major League Pitcher. Nothing wrong with that.

Any day "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game" survives Turner Field with a 1-2-3 Ninth--is always joyous. Chad Cordero's 32nd Save, one to cherish, at a ballpark whose Home Team has been Chad's largest nemesis.

Winners of their last 6 out of 8--Curly "W" Number 64 puts the possibility of Our Washington Nationals exceeding last year's win total of 71--directly in sight. Coming down to the close of the season--reaching that mark would be very gratifying.

So, for me, Our Washington Nationals are still fun to watch. Football has not re-directed my attention. Because, Our Manager Manny Acta continues to keep his player's heads in each ball game--even with a losing season--all but assured. Focus which Manny has yet to lose--Devotion that will not wane from me, nor The African Queen. Sohna may well love Manny more than I--as hard as that fact may seem to be believed.

Keep it going--Manny!!


Finally--I don't think I will EVER forget Lance Cormier, today the loser for The Atlanta Braves. This journeyman pitcher, then pitching for The Arizona Diamondbacks, will always be remembered by me for plunking Vinny Castilla at RFK Stadium on Opening Night--2005. All Vinny needed was a single to hit for the cycle in the VERY FIRST GAME played in Washington, DC in over 33 years. Never will I get the BOO's--that rained down from all over The Old Ballyard on that play--out of my mind. That very moment proved to Major League Baseball--there were KNOWLEDGEABLE Baseball Fans in The Nation's Capital. As much I wanted to see Castilla make his mark, the mistake pitch resulted in appreciation, none thought possible, from those who control The Great Game. After over three decades, Justice Was Finally Served. Washington, DC had well deserved a Major League Franchise far sooner--perhaps--should have never, EVER, lost The Washington Senators. That Fact, The Owners of Major League Baseball's Teams, were schooled on that exciting FIRST NIGHT!!

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Gregory Smith

Ryan Zimmerman

Its a good thing Ryan Zimmerman does not play his Home Games in New York City--The Tabloids would have already hung and burned him in effigy over his four errors the past two games at Turner Field in Atlanta. As it stands--the local media has just been harsh on Our Franchise Player. There is no doubt that Ryan has struggled on throws all season long to first base. But, is it really that necessary to continually kick him-while he's down?

If you believe everything said over Ryan's throwing problems, you would believe no one wants to see him playing for Our Washington Nationals--ever again? My profession is The Media, I understand how EVERYBODY piles on--making a situation far worse than what it may well be. Four miscues over 18 innings by a player highly touted as A Gold Glover raises eyebrows and brings scorn. He's an easy target right now. Sure--"Z" now has 23 errors on the season. But, He also leads Major League Baseball in total chances for third basemen. Do you really think a correctable flaw in his game--severely takes away from his God Given Talents? How many times has Ryan Zimmerman made Outstanding Play after OUTSTANDING PLAY!! And, no one on Our Team--better--hitting in the clutch (but that's another story--seemingly forgotten by some overnight).

No--I don't believe for a second--that Ryan is being seriously harmed by working his problem out. If Zimmerman's error proneness was stuck on FLop or Nook Logan--we would be having a completely different conversation. But, Our Number 11 has earned the respect and opportunity to right his game. Leeway, which Felipe Lopez and Nook Logan do not get.

What concerns me about Ryan Zimmerman is the underlying pressure put on him to perform. During his Rookie Season of 2006, expectations were laid significantly low. Our General Manager Jim Bowden and then Manager Frank Robinson played down Zimmy's potential. If he hit 15 Homers and knocked in 70--Our Washington Nationals would be happy--so they said.

Well, we all know--Zimmerman FAR OUTDISTANCED those predictions. Along with Alfonso Soriano--Ryan was Our Most Exciting Player. Not one Washington Fan who personally witnessed that FABULOUS GAMER WINNER against The Yankees could ever think anything bad about "Z"--at least for while. Of course--he didn't stop there--impressing time after time--with a game on the line. Success, that has carried over into his second season--despite a Sophomore Slump.

Yeah--Ryan Zimmerman started slowly--but heated up nicely over the summer. Now--as the home stretch is upon us, those struggles have returned. In 2006--Soriano, Nick Johnson, Jose Vidro and Jose Guillen were sandwiched around Zimmerman, not only in the lineup, but The Clubhouse. And, one of my favorites--Livan Hernandez provided a HUGE presence--off the field, on the field and by filling out his rather large uniform, as well. "Livo" was larger than life--at times. Veterans that took the pressure off Z-Man to perform. Ease your way into the game, relax these veterans allowed Ryan to do. Cool and Comfortable--Zimmerman was fabulous in 2006!!

Still phenomenal at times, but not as consistent in 2007. All because to me--Zimmerman has attempted to fill one of the "Veteran" leadership roles vacant on Our Team. When it comes to Our 2007 Washington Nationals--Ryan Zimmerman is THE FACE OF THE FRANCHISE. Undo Pressure--forced on a youngster looking to carry his team. Dmitri Young can only do so much. Outside of Brian Schneider--there could not be any other player to look up to for help. If you sat in Section 320 over the past five months--you would have heard my consistent calling: "Zimmerman--CAN'T DO IT ALL!!" The nodding heads in agreement understanding the truth of the yell. Honestly, Ryan Zimmerman has shouldered SO MUCH. A burden that may well be getting to him. A lapse that can only be expected.

And, I understand that's THE HARD PART of rebuilding from within. No one is at fault within Our Washington Nationals. Ryan Zimmerman needs to just relax his mind. Hopefully, once the final three weeks of the 2007 season concludes--Our Number 11 can just get away from baseball, ease off, rejuvenate himself and come back strong to begin play, once again, at New Nationals Park in 2008. A coming year when Zimmy will STILL be just 23 Years Old. His entire career STILL well in front of him.

Its September, The Washington Redskins are dominating the late summer headlines. And, the local media needs something to hype up readership of Our Team. Don't let the negativity get you down. I'm not worried because, as stated before, Ryan Zimmerman is a MVP Candidate for years to come.

And, when that year comes--no one will remember two nights in September, 2007--when Ryan Zimmerman made 4 errors--without laughing--in DISBELIEF.