Give a Day
Give a Day
Josh Land
Nationals
''Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don't, then you are wasting your time on Earth.'' -- Roberto Clemente As we begin the new year, many of us are searching for ways to become better people in 2010. Whether that's at the gym, on the clock or with our families, January always brings a new opportunity to make positive changes in our lives. In the spirit of Roberto Clemente, who we lost 37 years ago this week, one possible resolution is to give...
Capps talks Character and Community
Capps talks Character and Community
Josh Land
Nationals
Between discussing his pitching mechanics, new teammates and expectations for 2010, new National Matt Capps spoke of the importance of family and character in a year that has been especially trying for the young closer. On top of the strain of struggling through the '09 season and eventually being non-tendered by the Pirates, Capps lost his father, Mike, an instrumental part of his life and baseball career. "I can't tell you how much I missed him through this whole process," Capps said. ...
Caravan and NatsFest Details
Caravan and NatsFest Details
Josh Land
Nationals
With just about six weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report, the Nationals have released details about the annual Winter Caravan and NatsFest scheduled for January 27-31. MASN's Rob Dibble, manager Jim Riggleman and prospects Drew Storen, Danny Espinosa and Ryan Speier will kick off the caravan on Wednesday, January 27 with stops at the Unity Health Care's Southwest Health Center in DC, Hard Times Cafe in Arlington and the Build-A-Bear Workshop in McLean. On Thursday, this same group...
Chat with Drew Storen
Chat with Drew Storen
Josh Land
Nationals
The Washington Nationals Fan Forum, one of the most active online communities of Nats fans, is hosting a chat with Drew Storen on Sunday. The first round draft pick keeps fans regularly updated with a blog and a Twitter account (@DrewStoren). Still, there are plenty of questions for fans to ask about his development, upbringing, goals, etc. His fellow tech-savvy teammate Collin Balester chatted last week. The chat begins at 8 p.m. EST, but you can begin submitting questions now.
Where at Nats Park (Updated)
Where at Nats Park (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
Copying the great idea of our Orioles Buzz blogger, Kate, I took a trip down to Nationals Park last week to take some photographs for our brand new weekly game, "Where at Nats Park?" Some will be easy and some will be more challenging. We'll post the correct answer on Wednesday. Put your answer in the comments and keep track of your correct guesses. Who knows, maybe we'll come up with a prize down the road. You've been to Nats Park dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of times, but how well...
Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Field?
Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Field?
Josh Land
Nationals
Last week, DC Council Member Tommy Wells introduced the "Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson Field Designation Act of 2010" which will name the multipurpose field at the Rosedale Recreation Center after Mamie "Peanut" Johnson. The field is located just a few blocks from RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. Johnson's big break came while practicing at Rosedale Recreation Center in 1953 when former player Bish Tyson observed her skills. After one tryout with Bunny Downs, Johnson joined the Indianapolis...
Want to be part of the Nat Pack? (Updated)
Want to be part of the Nat Pack? (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
The Nationals are searching for athletes, gymnasts, cheerleaders, promotions people and "outstanding personalities" to join their Nat Pack in 2010. The Nat Pack is the in-game entertainment crew. They host pre-game features and games, shoot t-shirts, rally the crowd and generally serve as fan ambassadors at games and in the community. Applicants should be "energetic, positive, talented, enthusiastic, dependable and fun." Of course, they should also love the Nats! To apply, send your...
Where at Nats Park? (Updated)
Where at Nats Park? (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
The Nationals Park logo is all over the place, but where is this particular one located? Trust me, it's very visible and shouldn't be too difficult. We'll work up to the more challenging ones. Our second installment of "Where at Nats Park" is late because of the holiday, so we'll reveal the answer on Thursday instead of Wednesday. Just like last week, put your answers in the comments and keep track of your total wins! Update: Some of you got this one! The answer is on top of the...
The Men in Blue
The Men in Blue
Josh Land
Nationals
When I was a child, my father refereed high school and college basketball games. He was tough, but impartial. I hated watching him work, mostly because he couldn't please fans from either side. It's never fun to watch your Dad get booed. But his experience taught me to see the game in a different way and to respect those that try to enforce the rules. As such, I've always had a curiosity and interest in the world of umpiring. Perhaps you have too? Imagine deciding whether each and...
Where at Nats Park (Updated)
Where at Nats Park (Updated)
Josh Land
Nationals
I'm sorry for the break in updates. I left suddenly for Pennsylvania for a few days to attend my grandfather's funeral. But I'm back now and with the Nationals caravan and NatsFest approaching quickly, we'll be sure to have plenty of Nats Buzz news for you, starting with this week's "Where at Nats Park" photograph. Think you have the answer? Put it in the comments below and we'll let you know on Wednesday. Update: What a week!! The answer to last week's Where at Nats Park was...