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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Help!  I'm going to a Washington Nationals Baseball game tonight with co-workers and I don't know a thing about a) the team, b) the game (other than what you pick up growing up in America), c) the players, d) I don't even know what else I'm supposed to know!

I hope some sports fans are reading this now and are willing to share some insight as to what I should know for the game tonight so that I can a) enjoy it, and b) not look like a complete idiot in front of co-workers who probably know more about the game & sport than I do.

Anything you can share would be helpful.  :)

Thanks in advance.  :mrgreen: [/quote]

Where to begin?

First, stand for the national anthem. Put your hand over your heart and look to the flag. You don't have to sing, but doing these things will help you fit in.

Second, the away team (Atlanta) bats first. The Nationals come up to bat. The Nationals have had a disappointing season but have really come on strong in the last month and are chasing a spot in the playoffs. The odds of getting to the playoffs are pretty small, but they do have a chance. And given the way they're playing (they won -- "swept" -- both games of the double header yesterday and have won something like 19 of their last 20 games), there is a LOT of excitement. Expect a big crowd.

Third, to that end, if you hear random cheers, check the other scores on the board in the outfield. People are watching to see if the Cincinnati Reds lose, since a combination of a Nationals victory and a Reds loss increases the chances that the Nationals make the playoffs (instead of the Reds).

Fourth, the lead-off (first) batter for the Nationals is Denard Span. He has a 28-game hitting streak (meaning he's hit safely at least once in the last 28 consecutive games), which is the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. So, expect a lot of extra cheering when he is at bat, especially if he hits safely and gets on base.

Fifth, the most popular players are probably Bryce Harper (who is all of 20 years old), Jayson Werth, and Ryan Zimmerman. Harber and Werth play in the outfield. Zimmerman plays third base.

Sixth, the famous "president's race" happens between the top of the fourth inning (when the Braves bat) and the bottom of the fourth inning (when the Nationals bat). There's usually  silly intro played on the big screen and then five giant foam presidents (Lincoln, Taft, Washington, Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt) enter the stadium and race down the first base line. Traditionally, Teddy never wins, but he had his first victory a year ago when the Nationals won the NL East division (and made the playoffs).

Seventh, stand for the seventh inning stretch (between the top and bottom of the 7th inning). Sing "Take me out to the ballgame." BEER SALES END NOW.

Eighth, by now both teams will probably have changed pitchers.

Ninth, the last inning. If the Nationals are winning after the Braves bat in the top of the ninth, the Nationals won't bat in the bottom half (since there is no need for them to do so).

Hope this helps.[/quote]

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