by Bill Tracy
Virginia’s own Thomas Jefferson along with his friends Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, George Washington are very happy today.
In case you did not notice, there is big news in NoVA: The Washington Nationals are National League Champions for the first time in franchise history!
Unexpectedly, many wholesome life lessons appear to be coming from this very fun sports effort. Appearing to be down-and-out in May, Washington’s home team persevered to win the National League pennant. Attendance was down, and even die-hard fans felt the team had no chance to advance in the playoff as late as a few weeks ago. Team manager Davey Martinez was on the outs with many fans in May, but the Lerner family (team owners) trusted in his potential as a 2nd-year baseball manager.
Suddenly, only a few days ago, people started using the words “World Series” and “Washington Nationals” in the same sentence. Washington, D.C., will now host its first Word Series since 1933.
Is there a Virginia angle here? Aside from many NoVA fans like me attending games? Jim always insists that I talk about Virginia in my posts.
How about Ryan Zimmerman? According to Wikipedia, Zimmerman graduated from Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia and played college baseball at the University of Virginia. He has been a member of the Nationals since his and the Nationals debut in 2005. He is well known for his clutch hitting and walkoff hits.
Ace relief pitcher Sean Doolittle is also a UVa alum, and just now I see he is a fellow South Jersey transplant to the region.
My thoughts also go to former D.C. mayor Anthony Williams who was instrumental in arranging a deal to move the financially ailing Montreal Expos to Washington, D.C. According to Wikipedia, although Williams faced opposition from much of the D.C. Council, Williams eventually prevailed. In late December 2004, the Council approved by one vote a financing plan for a new stadium. The new team, the Washington Nationals, began playing in April 2005, the first time since 1971 that the nation’s capital had its own MLB team. William seems to get credit for being a very effective public servant.
“Stay in the Fight” is the new motto of the Washington Nationals.
Bill Tracy, a retired engineer, lives in Northern Virginia He took the photo above from NLCS Playoff Game 3.
