tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post4609512488071929089..comments2023-10-20T04:28:04.547-04:00Comments on Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog: The Ins & Outs of 2008/2009Screech's Best Friendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-56491976030163002132009-01-04T19:25:00.000-05:002009-01-04T19:25:00.000-05:00Anon at 4:51PM: Section 320 and this blog was born...Anon at 4:51PM: Section 320 and this blog was born thanks to very fact we had the best cheering section at RFK Stadium. A very loud and well known cheering section right behind The Nationals Dugout. Every single night, we respectfully cheered loudly for Our Washington Nationals. Section 320 was the place on East Capitol Street. It's where "Let Teddy Win!!" Began. The players loved our chants--so did the family members. That changed when New Nationals Park came online. Price points and other wishes spread everybody out. Hopefully, we can somehow recapture that fire back in the near future. The passion from Section 320 at RFK in Section 218 at Nationals Park.Screech's Best Friendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01094199653375184305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-15563481202511218312009-01-04T18:55:00.000-05:002009-01-04T18:55:00.000-05:00IN until they retire: Charlie and Dave. I can't g...IN until they retire: Charlie and Dave. I can't get to nearly as many games as I want, and they make it fun and exciting to listen.cheesemonkey421https://www.blogger.com/profile/07671408519062516432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-62537110626874262252009-01-04T18:13:00.000-05:002009-01-04T18:13:00.000-05:00AMEN to Charlie and Dave. I'm one of those that h...AMEN to Charlie and Dave. I'm one of those that has one ear listening to them even at the games we get to see live. They are FUNNY, ENTERTAINING, INFORMATIVE. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep these guys. If they go, will I still listen? "No, no I won't".natgnathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12636592154760768258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-39717408844799693002009-01-04T16:51:00.000-05:002009-01-04T16:51:00.000-05:00OUT: INJURIES!!!! Or, if they must continue, let ...OUT: INJURIES!!!! Or, if they must continue, let the Nationals have good minor-leaguers that play like major-leaguers. You know. Like the Caps. They are by far the best team in Washington D.C. (currently 2nd in the East, 4th in the NHL), and they have had a ton of injuries, but their minor league call-ups have been very, very good.<BR/><BR/>OUT: Saying "O" in the national anthem. This is so retarded, and you all know the two reasons why. (If you don't: That is for Orioles fans and/or for people disrespecting the Anthem.)<BR/><BR/>IN: Full Time Line Score. If I'm keeping score, I want to be able to check on some numbers and see the scoreboard still intact between innings.<BR/><BR/>IN (definite): Better Pricing. Those outfield seats give a great view and are near good food. I've stopped and watched the game from behind the (empty) scoreboard pavilion seats when getting food, and they are great. However, lack of a scoreboard should lower the prices. And the prices are being lowered for the outfield seats.<BR/><BR/>Awesome: The extra Metro trains.<BR/><BR/>OUT: Excessively high visiting:home fan ratio. There are way too many Braves fans doing the tomahawk chop.<BR/><BR/>IN: Stuff around Nationals Park. When walking from Metro to the stadium, I don't want to feel like I'm walking through a dump and trying to find an oasis int the form of a stadium. I want to feel like I do when taking the longer walk from Metro Center to Verizon Center (for Capitals games) through that nice-looking area of D.C.<BR/><BR/>IN: The Nationals working to their full potential. They were by far the most underrated team last year because they were hurt. If they play like they can, they are at least an okay team.<BR/><BR/>IN, please: More TV coverage. I don't pay for any TV, so I just get the weekly game (Friday night). Apparently, even if I had a ratings box thingy, I wouldn't have counted in that survey where they estimated like 8,000 people watched the games on TV. Those results were wrong. They got a bad sample audience.<BR/><BR/>IN: absolutely no attempts at a name for the ballpark. Apparently, they were very close to selling the rights, but had to put it off until after the 08 season. I really don't mind Nationals Park, it's fine, but who knows what else could be said but not followed up on? ("A Modest Proposal," anyone? ==> I wonder who got that.)<BR/><BR/>OUT: Overpriced seats behind home plate. This will kick out the non-fan wimps who want to sit inside their presidents club and bring in the very rich, but still real fans. This means that empty seats visible on TV are OUT.<BR/><BR/>IN: Something for the space over the Red Loft. Part of could be part of what I want...<BR/><BR/>...IN: A great HR sequence. You know when the players take the field, there is that siren and it shows those rotating emergency style lights on the ribbon scoreboard? We could have some of those (a bit bigger) around the top of the red loft. When a Nationals player hits a homer, they light up and spin, as the siren goes off. Heck, we could add a horn in, like the Capitals goal horn. Fireworks can still go off. It would add to the excitement.<BR/><BR/>Still IN: Potential (key word) for people to be real fans while occupying suites. They put two rows of seats outside, so the only excuse for being inside is you are watching from behind the counter.<BR/><BR/>OUT: The sight of something other than the game on the TVs in the suites.<BR/><BR/>IN: All the stuff at the Center Field plaza (games and such) to have the games CLOSED during the game (at least from Middle to End). Every so often I am going to get snacks and sometimes (hurrying) I pass by that area. There are way too many kids passing up the chance to learn about/enjoy baseball. This means EMPTY SEATS.<BR/><BR/>IN: All that Center Field game stuff OPEN after the games. It would really ease exit crowds.<BR/><BR/>IN: Go down to your seat between AT-BATS, not pitches or during plays. And if it isn't between innings, make it quick.<BR/><BR/>Out: The Kiss-Cam. The Kiss-Cam seems to come and go, but when it is there it tends to find couples that don't feel the need to be on camera, or, at least as often, people who aren't an item but are siblings, cousins, etc. Sometimes I'm afraid it'll pick up me and my sister. I have no clue what I'd do. I don't have a sign to say NO YOU IDIOT, and I can't flick off the camera (well, I could, but I'd get kicked out of the stadium).<BR/><BR/>IN: Noise from sober fans. Maybe someone needs to emulate Sam Wolk and bring a horn (and strong lungs/lips) and blow three times, followed by LETS GO NATS! Or someone like Goat who can yell really loudly, but in a sober and supportive way, not a drunk way. We need a guy to "Break the ice" and go LETS GO NATS! [Echo: LETS GO NATS!] And Voila, a chant is born. (Alternative: N-A-T-S! NATS NATS NATS!)<BR/>Basically, I want positive noise for the Nats, not just some murmurs and random drunk guys screaming random stuff.<BR/><BR/>If you have no clue who I'm talking about check out these four links:<BR/><BR/>Horn Guy:<BR/>http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2006/10/the_horn_man_blows.html<BR/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds76eQnRG6Q<BR/><BR/>Goat:<BR/>http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2006/12/the_goat_story_i_was_blessed.html<BR/>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NivFe9wMrgI<BR/><BR/>Now, I know I used several things from the Washington Capitals (and the goal horn from the sport of hockey), but they are definitely the most successful team in D.C., and the Nationals need help. And really, a Capitals game is the most exciting in D.C. right now (Look at their overall and home records, go to a game, and then you'll see what I mean).<BR/><BR/>I want Nationals Park to be the Place To Be this spring and summer.<BR/><BR/>Go Nationals!cheesemonkey421https://www.blogger.com/profile/07671408519062516432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-8653067787272474382009-01-04T10:19:00.000-05:002009-01-04T10:19:00.000-05:00One more thing. The Nats should keep in mind that ...One more thing. The Nats should keep in mind that there are a lot of people in this area who want to see this franchise destroyed. Some because they dislike the stadium deal. Some because they are self-loathing Orioles fans---the kind who insists Washington doesn't have "real baseball fans" and doesn't realize that they are insulting themselves. These people ALWAYS take the most negative spin on the Nationals, no matter what happens. Because of them, you hear people say the Nats couldn't sign Adam Dunn because they were "too cheap" rather than Adam Dunn made preposterous demands.<BR/><BR/>If the Nats were to stun baseball and win 50 of its first sixty games, these naysayers would be whining:<BR/><BR/>"Who cares that this team in my backyard is great! Washington's home team, the Orioles are still lousy! WAAAUUUGGGHHHH!!!!"<BR/><BR/>"Who cares about baseball? The ONLY sport Washington should root for is football! Go Redskins/D.C. United!"<BR/><BR/>Keeping that in mind, here's another hope I have for 2009:<BR/><BR/>OUT: Self-inflicted and avoidable PR disasters.Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-85831793359974145372009-01-04T10:09:00.000-05:002009-01-04T10:09:00.000-05:00IN: Two additional flagpoles to the center-field s...IN: Two additional flagpoles to the center-field side of the Red Loft which show the standings in the National League Central and National League West races.<BR/><BR/>OUT: The Washington flag flying all by itself at the very bottom. would it be asking too much to get the Nats to finish in at least fourth place again?Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-37566229710056445932009-01-02T23:12:00.000-05:002009-01-02T23:12:00.000-05:00To be honest, I booed Chaney, but it was because I...To be honest, I booed Chaney, but it was because I thought that Bush was snubbing RFK and Nats fans. Considering that he showed up on Opening Night last year when he KNEW he would get booed, I owe Bush an apology.<BR/><BR/>Why do I have the sinking feeling President Obama will throw out the first pitch at Orioles Park next year?Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-23892802872566801322009-01-02T17:18:00.000-05:002009-01-02T17:18:00.000-05:00nobody mentioned the "nuts about the nats" theme s...nobody mentioned the "nuts about the nats" theme song in the out section. add that and the game experience is that much better.Kenny Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08509046142834233559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-59436760523227611632009-01-02T15:53:00.000-05:002009-01-02T15:53:00.000-05:00In: ice cream in tiny batting helmets (especially ...In: ice cream in tiny batting helmets (especially Nats ones!)<BR/><BR/>Out: ice cream in other containersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-56319868520431338752009-01-02T15:41:00.000-05:002009-01-02T15:41:00.000-05:00In: Nats fans provide appropriate cheers and team...In: Nats fans provide appropriate cheers and team support<BR/>Out: Clint - please, get rid of him! (I am sure the he is a nice guy - use him in sales or something)<BR/>More Out: The Wave! Make is stop.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-36842218694168052082009-01-02T13:31:00.000-05:002009-01-02T13:31:00.000-05:00IN: Politicians who take practice pitches. Even th...IN: Politicians who take practice pitches. Even though I believe GWB went a long way towards destroying the country I love, I stood (quietly) as he threw out the first pitch in '08. GWB is a baseball fan, we were in a ballpark, and he stood on the mound and put it reasonably close to the plate. <BR/><BR/>OUT: Any politician who sees the first pitch as anything other than an honor and a privilege. I boo'ed Cheney because Cheney threw from 20 feet in front of the mound and still couldn't find the plate, not because he made America into a country that tortures people.Keithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11923878229506483494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-63241715739703096122009-01-01T21:49:00.000-05:002009-01-01T21:49:00.000-05:00I didn't boo Dick Cheney because he belongs to the...I didn't boo Dick Cheney because he belongs to the opposing party. I booed him because he's evil incarnate. When W threw out the first pitch, I just sat on my hands.<BR/><BR/>IIRC, the only other person I've booed at either RFK or Nationals Park just on account of who he is was Barry Bonds. He's also evil incarnate.An Briosca Morhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06855174362787324401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-2674185331922541712009-01-01T17:06:00.000-05:002009-01-01T17:06:00.000-05:00IN: President Obama throwing out the first pitch a...IN: President Obama throwing out the first pitch at Nationals Park---if not on April 13th, then later during the year.<BR/><BR/>OUT: Booing politicians just because they belong to the opposing party. Guys, some of the most die-hard Nationals fans are Republicans.Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-79854994865957307922009-01-01T16:23:00.000-05:002009-01-01T16:23:00.000-05:00IN: Baseball trivia on MASN that focuses on baseba...IN: Baseball trivia on MASN that focuses on baseball that actually happened in Washington, D.C. rather than Montréal.<BR/><BR/>OUT: The canard that the only history this franchise that counts happened since 1969, and the only franchises allowed to reference what happened here from 1901-1960 and 1961-1971 are the ones that could not care less.Edward J. Cunninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11925008506185290162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-30137544909364139192009-01-01T14:53:00.000-05:002009-01-01T14:53:00.000-05:00How about:OUT: Clint. Please, make it so.OUT: Swee...How about:<BR/><BR/>OUT: Clint. Please, make it so.<BR/>OUT: Sweet Caroline. It's a Red Sox thing. We can come up with our own stuff.<BR/><BR/>IN: Have a Home Run Derby to see if anyone can hit one into the big hole beyond the Centerfield Gate. Use a juiced ball and corked bats. What the hell, that hole's gonna be there for quite a while, so why not take lemons and make lemonade with it?An Briosca Morhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06855174362787324401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-33655395958576690102009-01-01T14:16:00.000-05:002009-01-01T14:16:00.000-05:00In: More DC-centric music (Fugees, Chuck Brown, et...In: More DC-centric music (Fugees, Chuck Brown, etc) in breaks. <BR/>Out: "Sweet Caroline" - I mean completely, never again, just stop it.<BR/><BR/>In: A greater focus on baseball-first, beginning with better on-field product.<BR/>Out: Clint, and some of the circus that falls under "total fan expierence".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-65174240575041381072009-01-01T14:02:00.000-05:002009-01-01T14:02:00.000-05:00In: Development finally continues on the vacant cr...In: Development finally continues on the vacant craters surrounding the stadium where heavily-anticipated projects to enhance the stadium-going experience had been started.<BR/><BR/>Out: Getting off Metro 30 minutes before the game, walking directly to Metro after the game.Jeremyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03324190091568057197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-59095370817177891362009-01-01T13:58:00.000-05:002009-01-01T13:58:00.000-05:00In: DC Native Song 'Bustin Loose' during The 7th I...In: DC Native Song 'Bustin Loose' during The 7th Inning Stretch (My Wish).<BR/>Out: Don't ever want to hear the "Rocky" Theme Song at Nationals Park--especially when The Phillies are in town.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-51439649974737962342009-01-01T13:22:00.000-05:002009-01-01T13:22:00.000-05:00In: text of PA announcements over bullpensOut: a...In: text of PA announcements over bullpens<BR/>Out: announcements that sound like the platform announcements in Metro<BR/><BR/>In: Gifford’s Ice Cream<BR/>Out: Pepsi products<BR/><BR/>In: coffee on the 300/400 level<BR/>Out: reading the sign that says there’s a coffee cart outside 317/318<BR/><BR/>In: when the ball’s in play, stay out of the way<BR/>Out: taking pictures (and ignoring calls to sit down) when the game could change with one swing of the bat<BR/><BR/>In: season tickets that arrive, say, a week ahead of time<BR/>Out: wondering if tickets will arrive before the season begins<BR/><BR/>In: Got to Get Your Into My Life for relief pitching changes (I thought about Send in the Clowns, but with our 102 loss season “Don’t bother, they’re here”)<BR/>Out: Sweet Caroline -- the Red Sox are visiting this summer, enough said.<BR/><BR/>In: HDTV scoreboard<BR/>Out: ribbon scoreboards without balls/strikes and outs (Honorable mention to hospital ads when we can’t field a healthy team)<BR/><BR/>In: real President’s Races<BR/>Out: wondering if someone’s paying Teddy to lose so there’s something at Nats Park with a record that’s worse than the team<BR/><BR/>In: baseball related info as the last question in “What Year Was It?”<BR/>Out: Can’t be out at home with baseball history<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28676208.post-20035782611013555642009-01-01T12:29:00.000-05:002009-01-01T12:29:00.000-05:00How about IN: marketing by Metro that's positive a...How about IN: marketing by Metro that's positive about going to the ball game<BR/>OUT: season-long scare tactics and lies that make people think getting to the park is a hassle<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com