Ladies Night--The Second Go Round

This Party, already pumping, went into overdrive when Lastings Milledge and Willie Harris strutted out on the dance floor. Unexpectedly, and without fanfare, they started grooving to the music playing. And many of the women on hand cheered on the spectacle. These two players for Our Washington Nationals were under the red party tent in Garage B at New Nationals Park. The Reason, Ladies Night. The Pre-Game Party set up for Women, who are Fans, or have an interest, In Major League Baseball and Our Washington Nationals. The second such get together this year. This was last Thursday Night, August 14th.



The opportunity for like minded women to get together and share their passion for the game. Our Numbers 44 and 1 were on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with the many attendees--nearly 1000 strong. And their dance moves just before leaving--added to the festive mood.




From 5PM until just after Game Time this past Thursday Night against The New York Mets--The Women enjoyed Wine, Beer and Tea Tastings.





An assortment of foods from various vendors--including Hard Times Cafe with their well liked Chili Nachos; Morton's of Chicago serving Filet Mignon; finger foods and--of course ---Dwayne Herndon and his staff at Noah's Pretzels were on hand, as always--offering hot Curly "W" Pretzels in Cinnamon or Salt varieties





Food, drink, dance and autographs were not the only offerings. Nail Manicures and Massages were also available for free. And the ladies from Slumber Parties were back with their assortment of goodies, as well as, The Savvy Girls of Summer with their well known book--"It Takes More Than Balls". A Baseball Book from a woman's perspective.





Sohna enjoys attending this event and she has found many other women who believe Ladies Nights at New Nationals Park is a Big Hit. Hopefully, Our Washington Nationals will continue this gathering for years to come. Obviously, there is a following. Just look at at the pictures. They perfectly describe the fun many are having at Ladies Night.





Ladies Night is a good time and that's what this party was all about.

Of Course

"It's almost comical," stated The African Queen. Our Washington Nationals were moments away from defeat--their 10th in row. A loss that would mathematically eliminate any chance for Our Team to field a winning record in 2008--with 37 games to go in The Inaugural Season of New Nationals Park.

Every single time of late--when Washington has a chance to actually turn any game around--a setback occurs. Impetus which takes away all the momentum earned and sets up that "Of Course" Moment.

Today's Favorites:

Ryan Langerhans gets thrown out at the plate on a very close play in the bottom of the second inning. To the naked eye--it sure looked like Our Number 29 got his hooked foot under the tag of The Colorado Rockies Catcher Chris Iannetta. Langerhans made a perfect slide. But, Home Plate Umpire Mike Estabrook emphatically gave the out call. A signal that got Our Fans up out of their seats in protest and Our Manager Manny Acta up and out of his seat on the bench to complain about the ruling. Not seeing the replay from Our Seats in Section 218--it sure looked like Langerhans was safe. And Of Course--Estabrook was not going to reverse his call. Ryan's score would have been Our Washington Nationals second of the game--if ruled safe--giving Washington a cushion advantage. Of Course, as it turned out--this signal at the plate just hurried up the inning--as Our Starter Odalis Perez was next up and struck out to finally kill the rally.

Then, The Rox Chris Iannetta grounds a fairly routine ball to Pete Orr--today's shortstop for Our Washington Nationals. A sure easy out as Our Number 4 ranges to his left--at least until the baseball glances off Our Number 4's glove for an error. A frustrated and already not pitching well Perez, then issues a full count walk to Troy Tulowitzki and, OF COURSE, the very impressive young slugger for The Colorado Rockies, Ian Stewart, steps up next and FLAT OUT HAMMERS A THREE RUN SHOT over the right centerfield wall to give Colorado their first lead of the game. An advantage not anticipated just three batters previously.

With Washington now Down 3-1 in the bottom of the 5th--Lastings Milledge (FLAT OUT HAMMERING THE BALL--HIMSELF-- ALL DAY AND OVER THE PAST WEEK) drills an Aaron Cook fastball DEEP to left centerfield. The Rockies Outfielders, Matt Holliday and Wily Taveres, have NO CHANCE to get to the ball. A sure bases clearing double with both the speedy Emilio Bonifacio and Willie Harris running ahead of him. A possible triple to tie this game at three. Of Course--the baseball bounces on the warning track, at the wall, AND LANDS OVER THE FENCE for a Ground Rule Double. Harris must retreat to third. Milledge to second. A third run in this ballgame for Washington--cheated out by an unlucky bounce.

And Of Course--Aaron Boone would follow and strike out poorly, then Ronnie Belliard would walk to load the bases and eventually Our Fans were left simmering again--when Langerhans flied out to right--to kill another game changing rally.

These Game Changing Moments that again came Washington's Way in the bottom of the 6th. Pete Orr and Wil Nieves had greeted Colorado Reliever Matt Herges with back to back singles. Two on, nobody out, and Our Washington Nationals down just one run. And Manny made the right move. He brought the resting Ryan Zimmerman off the bench to Pinch Hit for Odalis Perez. Using Our Number 11 as the game changer--sensing this might be Washington's Final Chance to turn this game around. Our Number 14 was right.

And Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle sensed this turning tide as well, and IMMEDIATELY moved to the mound to replace Herges with hard throwing and sometimes deceptive Manuel Corpos. Neither Manager wanting to give in. And "ZIMMY" looking to hammer the baseball out of the park--for the first time since May 15th.

As it turned out, fate would settle in again. Ryan Zimmerman got the exact pitch he wanted, a fastball right over the middle of the plate--and OF COURSE--he popped out to Holliday in left. A Home Run Pitch Missed. A deflating moment, because Our Number 11 KNEW HE GOT THE PITCH HE WANTED--AND HE KNEW HE HAD FAILED. Emilio Bonifacio following with The Rally Killing Double Play.

Signaling, Of Course, that every single move this afternoon, would fail for Washington. Sadly.

Like when Our Manager Manny Acta sends out Lefty Charlie Manning to face Lefty Swinging Brad Hawpe to lead off the top of the 8th. The Perfect Match Up.

Hawpe Homers to right. Score now 4-2 Colorado.

Then, Our Number 14 immediately moves to the mound and replaces Manning with "The Human Rain Delay". Of Course, Jesus Colome hits Iannetta on the first pitch he throws, walks Stewart, then allows Pinch Hitter Seth Smith to FLAT OUT CLUB a fastball from Our Number 43--DEEP--over the right centerfield wall for the DECISIVE three run homer.

Of course--just like that this game was over. And the sight of THOUSANDS IMMEDIATELY getting up to leave--quite noticeable. Obviously, because Our Fans had realized this game was, Of Course, finished as well--even though the final out had yet to be recorded two innings from this point.

As has been the case for nearly two weeks, Our Washington Nationals continue to fail in the clutch and every single miscue comes back to haunt them. Of Course--that all means--Our Washington Nationals have now lost 10 STRAIGHT GAMES--the most in a row all season--in year of many lows. How badly do we miss Charlie Slowes SCREAMING "Another Curly 'W' Is In The Books!!".

Final Score from Gorgeous and Beautifully Sunny New Nationals Park--The Colorado Rockies 7 and Our Washington Nationals 2. Swept Again by their third straight opponent. Virtually impossible now to NOT LOSE 100 Games this season.

And Of Course--being the Fans that we are--Sohna and I stayed UNTIL THE FINAL OUT--as always. All 27 of them for Washington. We are not going to miss out on anything--no matter how good, Or Bad, Our Washington Nationals play. Because one of these days, The Team that calls The Nation's Capital its very home--will be a Good Team--A Possible Championship Team--and we want to always remember--We Stuck by Our Washington Nationals when the times were not as good. Just like today and throughout this just completed miserable 0-6 Home Stand.

Of Course those Winning Days--will be MEMORABLE DAYS--just like the poor ones The African Queen and I are experiencing right now during these most trying of times. Yeah, we know, it's comical, but Our Washington Nationals failures have yet to take away from all our fun. No--that's not going to happen--any time soon.

Game Notes & Highlights

If I could have gone out to the mound today, I would have told Odalis Perez--"THROW A STRIKE!!" Dibbling around the corners--Our Number 45 was frustrating to watch. There was this fellow sitting to the left of me in Section 218 that was a Big Baseball Fan. And an educated one. He was just exasperated with Perez. Just like myself, The African Queen, Our Manager, and just about every single one of Our Fans. I am sorry, there is no personal ill will toward Odalis Perez. I just don't see any further reason to have him on this particular poorly performing team.

The same for Jesus Colome. "The Human Rain Delay" adds little to our team these days. Everything he throws is the same speed. Every single hitter facing him, knows that. Remember, early in 2007, Colome couldn't throw 100% and he learned how to mix up his pitches. He finally understood, for the first time in his career--how control and off setting velocities can HELP HIM. There was this one night at RFK STADIUM where Colome struck out Chipper Jones on arguably the greatest looping, sinker, off speed pitch, he had EVER THROWN IN HIS LIFE. Jones swung and missed so badly that after he struck out--Chipper stood at home plate staring at Colome--IN DISBELIEF!! At that point in time, there was a revelation--that Jesus Colome might have finally become A REAL PITCHER. A GREAT MOMENT--never to be forgotten by me. Colome was a Phenomenon at that time--nearly Our All Star Selection in 2007. He was so deserving. Then, an unexpected surgery to his rear end--changed his season and ultimately his career changing year--became a disappointment. He's never been the same since. Our Number 43 has now lost all of his learned knowledge of early 2007. How sad, but true. Because for three months last year--Jesus Colome was A GREAT FIND--A Keeper for Our Future. But, no longer.

I have no problem seeing as many of Our Youngsters as possible getting their opportunities come September, if not this coming Tuesday. Far more interesting seeing YOUTH hustling and wanting to be there, instead of Veterans just taking home a paycheck.

Enthusiasm which Lastings Milledge is bringing to the park every day of late. Our Number 44 a far different player in performance and attitude since the early days of April & May, 2008. Still, Milledge SHOULD BE A CORNER OUTFIELDER, and he has his moments of despair--but Lastings has slowly changed my opinion of his skills. He seems to care now and less about his Off Field and Behavior Puffery. That pleases us--TREMENDOUSLY. Good for him. At least Lastings Milledge is making the effort.

Caring--which Willie Harris bring to the ballpark every single day. Has there been a better Veteran Influence on Our Youth more than Our Number 1? Harris comes prepared, today two more hits. He runs out everything and NEVER GIVES UP. Willie Harris may never have a prosperous career with Our Washington Nationals, but hopefully, some other Winning Major League Team will see his effort and reward him with the opportunity to succeed on a grand scale. That man is a late bloomer. Sohna loved him since day one. And she was right. Harris can play.



Again to honor The 2008 Summer Olympics--Our Racing Presidents ran a HURDLE Relay Race. Now, having personally run the race twice in 2006 and 2007 as ABE and GW, you have to give THESE ATHLETES serious credit for jumping the hurdles set up today by Race Coordinator Tom Davis on the outfield warning track. Those heads are HEAVY, HUGE, and quite UNBALANCED. The very fact that all four Rushmores completed the race without falling was mighty impressive. Of course--ABE WON AGAIN, Teddy Finished Second. Nice adaptation of a current event.

There is a very interesting promotion coming to New Nationals Park on August 31st when Our Washington Nationals play The Atlanta Braves. Any Adult purchasing ANY TICKET VALUED AT $33 or ABOVE can bring along two kids (12 Years of Age or Younger) for just $1 A Piece. We are talking $35 for three good seats to that Sunday Game against The Bravos. That's a good deal.

Finally--I was not surprised to see Luis Ayala traded. He had never been the same since foolishly pitching in The World Baseball Classic for his home country Mexico in 2006, and seriously hurting himself, just a few short months after elbow surgery for Washington. Thanks to pressure from Former Washington Nationals Vinny Castilla and Esteban Loiza, Our Former Number 56 made the incorrect decision--and sadly--it transformed his career for the worse. Before late 2005--Luis Ayala was one of the best setup men in the game. A terrific slider, at times, untouchable. A perfect compliment to Chad Cordero.

I have always liked Luis Ayala and I always will. He has always been kind and gracious to The African Queen. Ayala really digged her--enjoyed talking with her. Our Now Former Number 56 stopped and talked with her--every single time he ran into Sohna. And I always appreciated that. We only wish he could have had continued his success in a uniform representing Our Washington Nationals. Today, not surprisingly, he was traded to The New York Mets for infielder Anderson Hernandez. Being a betting man, Our Former Starting Catcher, Brian Schneider, will find a way to harness some good out of Luis Ayala in New York. They were quite the pairing in Montreal and Washington.

No--we did not know him well, but he was always Our Friend. Sohna and I can only wish him the best. Luis Ayala is a fine young man. We always enjoyed his efforts for Our Washington Nationals. He cared, but as of late, just could not do the job. Good Luck, Luis--may your career resurrect itself.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) Nick Wass
Luis Ayala Photo--(AP) John Rauox
All Other Photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive

Saturday August 16th, 2008 was Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive Day at New Nationals Park. From 8AM until 2PM Our Washington Nationals provided the facility and teamed up with The American Red Cross so this well known Service Organization could receive blood donations from many willing participants in Washington, DC and the surrounding Metro Area. From 8AM until 2PM--patrons could enter New Nationals Park from the Third Base Entrance on South Capitol Street. From there, American Red Cross Representatives would escort the volunteers to Conference Room 3--just outside The Stars & Stripes Club on the Party Suite Level of the new ballpark.



Not only could donors schedule their times in advance of showing up, but any walk ups were welcome as well. As an added bonus--those willing to give blood for Save-A-Life Saturday were given a White American Red Cross Tee-Shirt and Two Free Tickets to an upcoming September Home Game of Our Washington Nationals.




Our Manager Manny Acta was on hand for nearly one hour--greeting and speaking to donors, thanking them for their patronage. Our Number 14 always understanding that Our Baseball Team can provide more to the community than just the action on the field. And Our Washington Nationals can play a leading role to get people involved. As always--"The Most Charismatic Of Men" was happy to be in attendance and made every effort to speak with all the donors on hand during the time he was there. In fact, Manny Acta was terrific with--everyone.





Later Ryan Zimmerman followed Manny in setting the right example. For nearly another hour, Our Number 11 greeted the many donors, signed autographs and provided even more fun for the many Kids, Donors and American Red Cross Members at this well received and necessary event.


All Donors gave one pint of blood. Last season, during a similar drive at RFK Stadium, The 2007 Save-A-Life Saturday Blood Drive with Our Washington Nationals received 140 Pints of Useable Blood. When the 2008 Numbers are finalized, I will report the tally.



Also, My Best Friend!! Screech!!! posted up to thank everyone as well. Of course, Screech always there for the kids--even the adult ones.




As stated many times here on Nats320, Our Washington Nationals are more than just a Major League Baseball Team. Through Community Service Involvement, they can help provide assistance for so much more. Thankfully, Our Team seems to understand that, and the uses their name and their resources to help out--throughout the Washington, DC Area.

Good for them--for their continuing support in Our Communities.

Another Nine Straight--Lost

On a night, you had to figure that Our Washington Nationals would be able to get to Livan Hernandez, open up some scoring, and put a Curly "W" In The Books--for the first time in 9 games--they failed even more miserably than before. Our Starter John Lannan had nothing in the tank. He got absolutely pounded. So badly, by the time The Colorado Rockies got their 11 runs on the board--only then did Washington FINALLY get to Old Number 61--for a total of six runs. The Rox Cushion so large, even the Xtra Large Hernandez had enough wiggle room.

And by the time LIVO was taken from this latest of defeats by Colorado--Our Washington Nationals were already out of this ball game.

Poor Pitching, and some pretty bad fielding (three errors) led to yet another blowout, and for the third time in 2008, Washington has now lost 9 straight games--again. This affair was decided early.

Good Notes: Lastings Milledge and Ronnie Belliard both had three hits. In fact, Our Number 10 also added three more RBI's. And Willie Harris made two outstanding catches--the first--on an opposite field liner slapped by The Rockies Ian Stewart in the top of the 2nd. A baseball drifting toward the leftfield corner. A baseball nicely retrieved by Our Number 1 racing all the way to the corner--near the 336FT Sign on the Green Wall--and grabbing the baseball on the full run and nearly knocking himself over by being off balance. An excellent effort that Harris magnified significantly on in the top of the 9th when he deftly moved to his left on a sinking liner off the bat of Brad Hawpe and scooped the baseball in his glove hand, diving to his left, moments before the baseball landed on the grass. Our Washington Nationals may well have been down 7 runs at that point--but once again--Willie Harris continues to play the game right. He cared enough to make The Defensive Play Of This Game.

Effort, which Our Washington Nationals have continually failed over--the past few months.

Honestly, when this game got out of hand so early, The African Queen and I spent the final three innings chatting with some of our colleagues and friends. Still hoping Washington would fight back, we hadn't given up. But, Sohna and I really just didn't expect a rally. No, not tonight on one of the crispest and coolest August Summer Nights in many years. It was gorgeous outside, although the game played before us, was not.

Really not much more to state about Loss Number 80 of 2008. Another Nine Straight Lost. Final Score before 28,909--The Colorado Rockies 13 and Our Washington Nationals 6.

Game Notes & Highlights

Although he pitched into the 5th--John Lannan's line score for this evening--pretty bad. It's a good thing Our Number 31 has pitched so well through most of the 2008. This evening--he had a bad night and 8 Earned Runs scored against him in 4 complete innings--tells it all.

Garrett Mock might have been worse. When he replaced Lannan in the middle of the 5th--Our Number 50 could get NO ONE OUT until the sixth batter he faced in the inning. By that time--whatever chance Washington had to win--was over. Mock charged with three earned runs.

TEDDY!! WON!! The Presidents Race in the middle of the 4th inning. And The Crowd ROARED ITS APPROVAL--maybe the biggest cheer all night. Then actually started booing, when Teddy was disqualified for RUNNING THE RACE. You see, Olympic Race WALKING RULES were in effect. As Abe, GW & Tom walked around the chosen path--TEDDY sprinted to the finish. My Best Friend!! Screech!! reversed the Win by Our Lovable Loser. Tom was declared the winner.

Finally, after the game, Sohna and I spent some time with Our Friend Bill Hall--Baseball Chairman for The D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission. Mr. Hall negotiated the deal to bring The Montreal Expos to Washington, DC. This evening, Bill was hosting the New York City (Manhattan) side of his family at New Nationals Park. After we all watched Michael Phelps win his 8th Gold Medal at the Oval Bar in Presidents Club--Bill Hall asked me to snap this picture of his family--to remember the moment.

Front Row--Benjamin Arno, Spencer Hall and James Arno
Second Row--Ben Arno, Missy Hall, Bill Hall, Nancy (Hall) Arno

All of us just having some fun--attempting to take the sting out of another loss by Our Washington Nationals.