http://masnsports.com/ The Official Website of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network en Copyright 2010 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification In a bright red Nationals jacket with a White Sox cap tucked inside his glove, President Barack Obama made his first appearance at a Nationals game to honor the 100 year anniversary of the ceremonial first pitch by an American president. Before the game, he met with the team to wish them luck. He also threw five to six warm up pitches to Pudge Rodriguez. "He was afraid to throw the ball on the ground, but I told him just... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/nats-react-to-obamas-visit.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/nats-react-to-obamas-visit.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:37:46 -0500 Happy Opening Day! Kicking off a new chapter of Where at Nats Park, can you figure out where this photo was taken? Good luck! Answers will be posted on Wednesday.... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/where-at-nats-park-12.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/where-at-nats-park-12.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:12:31 -0500 For all the energy and enthusiasm Nyjer Morgan adds to the team, he brings something else as well. The fun-loving outfielder has a big heart and he wants to do his part to be a positive influence on the African American community, especially in the nation's capital. Morgan was involved with Kidney Foundation awareness events and fundraising throughout the winter. The speedster hopes to start another campaign to donate money for each of his stolen bases this season, but it's... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/morgan-excited-to-meet-obama.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/morgan-excited-to-meet-obama.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Nyjer Morgan Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:44:39 -0500 On Saturday, the Nationals honored season ticket holders with special photo opportunities and a town hall meeting with manager Jim Riggleman. Fans could take photos with all of their favorite Nationals including Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn, John Lannan and Nyjer Morgan, as well as with new faces like Pudge Rodriguez and Brian Bruney. At the town hall meeting, fans asked questions directly to Riggleman and Opening Day starter John Lannan. Fans wanted to know about final roster decisions, game preparation,... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/nats-thank-season-ticket-holde.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/nats-thank-season-ticket-holde.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Nyjer Morgan Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:14:11 -0500 We began playing Where at Nats Park in early January and many of you have contributed to the fun. We're going to keep it going into the new season, but I wanted to get an offseason tally to see where we stand. We have a clear winner in NatsNut. She provided nine correct answers over the past twelve weeks. Congratulations to her! I'm still trying to see how a prizing system might work and what prizes might be available, so... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/where-at-nats-park-tally.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/where-at-nats-park-tally.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:00:01 -0500 On Saturday, baseball returns to D.C. in an exhibition game between the Nationals and the Red Sox. The team has plenty in store for fans, and especially season ticket holders, for this special game which benefits the organization's philanthropic efforts in the local community. Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day begins at 11:45 a.m. with player photo stations throughout the ballpark. At 12:45 p.m., Jim Riggleman will host a town hall discussion with fans. When the gates open at 1:30 p.m.,... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/nationals-dream-foundation-cla.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/nationals-dream-foundation-cla.html Nationals Buzz Jim Riggleman Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:41:46 -0500 On Wednesday, the Washington Nationals provided a sneak peak of new features at Nationals Park for the 2010 season. The entertainment, food and parking additions as well as extensive renovations of the PNC Diamond Club are designed to enhance the ballpark experience for Nats fans this season. Those new features begin as soon as you walk to the Center Field Plaza where two new exclusive season ticker holder gates have been added. The express lines are well marked with a... http://masnsports.com/2010/04/new-at-nationals-park-1.html http://masnsports.com/2010/04/new-at-nationals-park-1.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:12:56 -0500 After Monday's announcement that Stephen Strasburg will make his debut with the Harrisburg Senators on Sunday, April 11th against the Altoona Curve, I imagine that many of you went searching for tickets. And if you haven't already, you should! The Nats will be out of town and Altoona is just three hours from Washington D.C. -- a perfect Sunday drive to see the star prospect in a beautiful gem of a ballpark in western Pennsylvania. "Coming up, I remember that... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/road-trip-idea-altoona.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/road-trip-idea-altoona.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:21:34 -0500 This will be the final Where at Nats Park contest before the regular season starts, so I will come up with a tally at the end of this week with where everybody stands through the offseason. We'll kick off the next round of the game next week for Opening Day. Can you guess where at Nats Park this picture was taken? Be sure to keep playing because I hear there may be great prizes in the works. I'll let you... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-11.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-11.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:14:44 -0500 To celebrate the 100th anniversary of U.S. presidents tossing the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day, President Barack Obama will attend the Nationals home opener on Monday, April 5th against the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:05 p.m. It will be the 48th time a President has thrown the ceremonial pitch in Washington D.C. The tradition began back in 1910 when William Howard Taft tossed the first pitch during a Washington Senators game against the Philadelphia Athletics. The Senators won that game... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/obama-on-opening-day.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/obama-on-opening-day.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:29:27 -0500 It's that time again...time to heal the wound of an embarrassing March Madness bracket, to try that new strategy you've been thinking about all winter or to just begin learning about baseball from a business perspective. You know that Opening Day is just around the corner when your inbox fills up with Fantasy Baseball invitations. But MASN's contest is one you definitely don't want to skip this season. There are some great prizes up for grabs throughout the year include... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-buzz-fantasy-baseball.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/nats-buzz-fantasy-baseball.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:26:12 -0500 Great news for Nationals fans in the Harrisburg, Lebanon, Elizabethtown, Hershey, Millersburg and Lykens areas of Pennsylvania. MASN announced today that it will launch all four MASN channels just in time for Opening Day in parts of central PA. Nationals fans living in these areas will finally get to watch Nats games on television, as well as Nats Xtra before and after games, and all of MASN's other programming. MASN will launch on those Comcast systems on March 31st, and... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/masn-launches-in-central-pa.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/masn-launches-in-central-pa.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:18:25 -0500 You've been there through the memorable wins and painful losses. You remember every detail of the walk-off celebrations, rookie debuts and even last year's draft signing deadline. Now, you can become an official citizen of NatsTown. The Nationals are selling a NatsTown Fan Club package for $19.95 which includes some pretty great features for this season including: • Official Citizen of NatsTown Fan Club Membership Card • 1 Ballpark Tour Ticket for Nationals Park • Subscription for 2010 next-generation Gameday... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/citizens-of-natstown.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/citizens-of-natstown.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:23:21 -0500 Two more weeks! Can you believe how fast it went? We are just fourteen days away from peanuts, cracker jack, Teddy, Bang! Zoom! and Half Smokes. Who's ready? This week's challenge: Good luck! I'll post the answer on Wednesday! Update: Many correct answers this week. It is indeed a shot of the bike racks outside of the ballpark. Did you know that in addition to these bike racks (which hold 250 bikes), the Nationals have a free bike valet? Stop... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-10.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-10.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:23:20 -0500 A few quick notes: The Racing Presidents participated in Tuesday's Elephant Walk through the District to celebrate the arrival of the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus. Abe, George, Tom and Teddy joined the event for the first time. Mike Rizzo started a blog at MASNsports.com. Make sure to check it out and leave him some questions. Tonight's game featuring Stephen Strasburg can be heard on WFED 1500 AM with Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler. Slowes celebrated his birthday this... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/elephants-cavemen-and-march-ma.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/elephants-cavemen-and-march-ma.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:20:02 -0500 On Tuesday, June 15th, Screech won't be the only eagle hanging out at Nationals Park. The Eagles, who released many hits including "Hotel California," "Desperado," and "Life In The Fast Lane," will perform at Nationals Park. The group has won six Grammy awards and sold over 120 million albums worldwide. The Eagles will be joined by special guests Keith Urban and the Dixie Chicks. Both have won multiple Grammy awards and released countless hits. Tickets go on sale at 10:00... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/eagles-at-nationals-park.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/eagles-at-nationals-park.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:53:18 -0500 I think that St. Patrick would be happy that "Jeeeeeesus," as he's called by Tony Plush will be chatting with fans online on Wednesday afternoon. Fans can chat with superstar prospect Stephen Strasburg at 12:30 p.m. and can begin submitting questions at 10 a.m. before the chat begins. You must register as a Nationals Insider to participate in the chat.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/strasburg-chat-on-wednesday.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/strasburg-chat-on-wednesday.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:54:31 -0500 Greetings from Florida. I suppose you'd call this a working vacation and I've been trying to find that perfect balance during my trip to Viera this week. It is tougher than it seems. Sure it's lots of baseball, lots of sunshine (finally) and lots of fun, but never forget how hard these writers work! It has been a blast checking in with our MASN folks -- Ben Goessling, Debbi Taylor, Bob Carpenter, Rob Dibble, Phil Wood and Ray Knight. Everybody... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/random-thoughts-from-viera.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/random-thoughts-from-viera.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Ryan Zimmerman Stephen Strasburg Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:19:05 -0500 Three more weeks until Opening Day. Doesn't that sound great? Come April, I'm going to have to work extra hard to try to trick you during homestands. So, I figured I'd try a tough one this week. Take your best guess! Hints on Tuesday if you need them and answers posted on Wednesday. Updated: It is the the larger than life GEICO gecko in the Strike Zone. I'm so impressed that some of you figured it out!... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-9.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-9.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:20:20 -0500 Greetings from rainy, windy Cocoa Beach. The local weather guys keep reminding us about tornado warnings and 80 MPH wind gusts. It hasn't let up all day. So much for fun in the sun. I hope to have more interesting things to blog about when baseball resumes (hopefully tomorrow). Remember, that game is scheduled to be on MASN and MASN HD at 1 p.m. Two quick notes, the Bullpen, the outdoor venue near Nationals Park with games, drinks and food... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/bloggin-in-the-rain.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/bloggin-in-the-rain.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Nationals Buzz Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:10 -0500 Just a reminder (as if you need it), to tune in to MASN and MASN HD at 1 p.m. for Stephen Strasburg's spring training debut. Bob Carpenter, Rob Dibble and Debbi Taylor will bring you all the action straight from Space Coast Stadium. MASN will also replay the game at 7 p.m. Nationally, the game will be available on MLB Network and MLB.TV. While you're waiting, check out the cool Strasburg jerseys in MLB.com's team store or join us in... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/happy-strasburg-day.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/happy-strasburg-day.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:24 -0500 What a beautiful day in NatsTown. Are you ready for some Nationals baseball on MASN tomorrow? Don't forget that coverage of Stephen Strasburg's spring training debut begins on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. on MASN and MASN HD. By the way, did you catch the Strasburg feature story on CBS News this weekend? Check it out here! This week's contest: Remember, I'll hide the correct answers until Wednesday. Good luck! Answer: Nationals cap awning over the team store in Center Field... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-8.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-8.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Stephen Strasburg Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:21:32 -0500 Cherry Blossoms: It's too bad those cherry blossoms in left field can't bloom all summer. Luckily, they do arrive just in time for Opening Day. This year, the Nationals will partner with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the annual two-week DC festival and commemorate 98th anniversary of the 1912 gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan. "The blooming of the cherry blossoms and the crack of the bat have come to signify the start of Spring in Washington,"... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/baseball-and-cherry-blossoms.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/baseball-and-cherry-blossoms.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:17:24 -0500 In just seven days, I'll be packing my bags and heading to Viera, FL to take in the sights and sounds of spring training. I hope it warms up! It will be my third trip to Nationals spring training camp, so I've learned my way around a bit, but I'm as excited as ever. I even earned a free voucher to Walt Disney World from Disney's Give a Day, Get a Day service project, which I can't wait to redeem.... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/one-more-week-looking-for-sugg.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/one-more-week-looking-for-sugg.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:02:10 -0500 First, a few reminders: Single game tickets go on sale today at 10 a.m. Ballpark tours have resumed. Proceeds benefit the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation. Ben Goessling is chatting tonight right here on MASNsports.com. MASN is televising Stephen Strasburg's spring training debut on March 9. And now for the weekly Where at Nats Park challenge... I apologize for the delay this week. I was feeling a bit under the weather all weekend. Good luck! Answer: Walter Johnson's statue in the... http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-7.html http://masnsports.com/2010/03/where-at-nats-park-7.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:29:01 -0500 Just a quick update of the spring training broadcast schedule with radio and MLB Network games added. WFED 1500 AM carries Nationals games in the D.C. area. Affiliate listings can be found on Nationals.com and MLB Network is available nationally. MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days featuring the Nationals airs on March 16th. And, XM Sirius satellite radio customers will enjoy spring training interviews from Nationals camp on Monday, March 22nd. Spring Training Broadcast Schedule: March 5 Nats... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/think-warm-thoughts.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/think-warm-thoughts.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:43:40 -0500 There are so many decisions in baseball that fans just can't control. You can debate trades, signings, contracts and strategy all day long, but Mike Rizzo and Jim Riggleman aren't necessarily calling to get your expert advice. However, there is one decision that you can make this season and it's related to a very important topic: bobbleheads. Which Washington Nationals player, coach or mascot should be replicated on the third bobblehead this year? It's up to you. Voting is now... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/choose-the-third-2010-nats-bob.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/choose-the-third-2010-nats-bob.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:37:56 -0500 Imagine enjoying that Nationals vs. Red Sox exhibition game from a luxury suite at Nationals Park -- complete with delicious food, refreshing beverages and free parking. Now think of eighteen friends who might want to enjoy a baseball experience like that with you... Got it? Okay, good because... Rosie's Broadway Kids, a nonprofit organization led by Rosie O'Donnell which funds art programs for New York City children, is conducting an interesting raffle to raise money for their cause. Of course,... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/win-a-suite.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/win-a-suite.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:24:51 -0500 Eager to get involved in the community around their spring training home, the First Ladies, a group of wives and girlfriends of Nationals players, is participating in the Alzheimer's Association's annual Memory Walk this spring. In 2009, Shari Langerhans, wife of then-National Ryan Langerhans, asked the First Ladies to participate. This year, the women decided to get involved again. "We would love to make it a yearly Spring Training tradition to participate in the Walk," said Ashley Balester, wife of... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/first-ladies-take-on-alzheimer.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/first-ladies-take-on-alzheimer.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:47:13 -0500 It sure feels like spring might finally be on its way. Before long, we'll all be at Nationals Park enjoying our summer nights -- and I'll have to think twice as hard to stump you! Here's this week's challenge: Good luck! We'll do the tally this week since last week was a bit too hard. Remember, I'll hide the correct answers until Wednesday. ANSWER: This is a curly W flag that waves high above the Nats Family Fun Area in... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-6.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-6.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:40:23 -0500 On Tuesday afternoon, the Potomac Nationals announced a special five-game ticket plan in preparation for a possible Stephen Strasburg debut at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge this season. The $15 Million Plan, named for Strasburg's contract, includes Opening Day on April 8th and four flexible games that can be used to watch possible Strasburg starts. The plan does not guarantee that Strasburg will debut at Potomac, nor stay for five starts, but the P-Nats wanted to get started early. Even if... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/five-game-15-million-strasburg.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/five-game-15-million-strasburg.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Stephen Strasburg Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:52:30 -0500 Don't let the snow drifts fool you. It's time for spring training. Pitchers and catchers report to Nationals camp in sunny Viera, FL on Friday which means that we have just two more days before a brand new season begins. It's the most exciting time of the year for fans, especially those of us buried under a blanket of snow. It's a sign that summer is quickly approaching along with another season of Nationals baseball. Just in time for the... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/ready-for-spring-training.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/ready-for-spring-training.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:24:38 -0500 Happy President's Day. Speaking of President's, be sure to check out Nationals Pride and Nats320 for photos from this weekend's President's Race auditions. Now, on to this week's Where at Nats Park challenge... Can you identify what this is and where it was taken? Put your guesses in the comments below and remember, I'll hide the correct answers until Wednesday so that everyone can have a shot at it. We'll try to count up your correct guesses for the contest... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-5.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-5.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:51:42 -0500 This Valentine's Day, Wil Nieves and his wife Yormarie have a lot to celebrate. The couple will welcome their first child in August of this year, a miracle they've been anxiously awaiting for some time. They met back in November of 2002 on a blind date. In fact, they can tell you the exact date. Nieves had just finished his rookie season with the Padres. "For me, it was love at first sight," Yormarie said. And Wil knew during those... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/wil-and-yormarie.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/wil-and-yormarie.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wil Nieves Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:55:38 -0500 ...a project for a snowy day. On Tuesday, veteran baseball broadcaster Victor Rojas asked his Twitter followers and Facebook fans one simple question: what is baseball? Dozens and dozens of fans responded and all of the submissions are available on his blog. Many of the answers are brilliant but all of the submissions attempt to capture that special essence of the game we all struggle to define. I could hardly come up with an original response myself because no answer... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/baseball-is.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/baseball-is.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:31:01 -0500 Happy Snowpocalypse! As you dig your cars out, shovel your sidewalks and prepare for another big storm tomorrow, take a guess at this week's Where at Nats Park challenge. Good luck, stay warm and remember -- pitchers and catchers report to Florida in just over a week. Answer: "N" from Nationals lettering above the Home Plate Gate. Good work!... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-4.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-4.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:41:02 -0500 Let's just start with the important stuff. Go ahead and mark off June 19, July 31 and August 28th as can't-miss games for 2010. Those will be the three Bobblehead giveaways featuring Ryan Zimmerman, Nyjer Morgan and a "fan choice" respectively. On Thursday, the Nationals announced an entire slate of promotional giveaways and special discounts for the 2010 season. In addition the popular bobblehead giveaways, the Nationals will also have six T-Shirt Tuesdays. Throughout the season, they will give away... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/2010-promotions-include-zimmer.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/2010-promotions-include-zimmer.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:23:56 -0500 You may recognize this one from the game at MASN's booth at NatsFest, but here's another chance to figure it out. Good luck this week! Updated: Nice work everyone! I tried to hide the correct answers until now so that most of you could guess without being swayed by others. Many of you were correct! It is the green roof over Boardwalk Fries and Noah's Pretzels in the LF corner. Nationals Park is the nation's first major professional stadium to... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/where-at-nats-park-3.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:46:24 -0500 And that's a wrap. What a week for Nats fans. From Woodbridge to Bethesda to Arlington to Landover, the Nationals covered most of the D.C. metro area with visits, community service stops and autograph signings to remind us that baseball is just around the corner. On Sunday, the fun came to a close with the ever popular NatsFest celebration at Nationals Park. Drawing thousands of fans out of their homes on a cold Sunday afternoon, NatsFest was a major success... http://masnsports.com/2010/02/natsfest.html http://masnsports.com/2010/02/natsfest.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:01:17 -0500 After battling D.C.'s second big snowstorm of the winter, the Nationals caravan arrived in Prince George's County for a special presentation with local officials. The team announced a new partnership with the county to support the growth of baseball through a variety of community programs. Specifically, the partnership invites children to attend a youth baseball clinic at Nationals Park during the 2010 season and promises to send Nationals players to one or more youth clinics in Prince George's County this... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-partner-with-prince-georg.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-partner-with-prince-georg.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:03:14 -0500 On a blustery cold Saturday morning, the Nationals warmed the hearts of dozens of children seeking medical treatment at Children's National Medical Center. Families and patients at the facility met with Jim Riggleman, Rob Dibble and several Nationals players to play UNO, color pictures and talk baseball. It was - and always is - the highlight of the winter caravan. "When you can see the smiles on the parents' faces and on the kids' faces, there's probably a lot of... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-lift-spirits-at-childrens.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-lift-spirits-at-childrens.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Sat, 30 Jan 2010 21:02:53 -0500 On Thursday afternoon, the caravan traveled to Fort Belvoir in Virginia for a very special afternoon service project with USO. Together with servicemen and women and local volunteers, the Nationals made care packages for soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and Haiti. To date, the organization has shipped over 1.8 million care packages to troops. The care packages include shampoo, shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes and other basic necessities. Ryan Speier, Danny Espinosa, Drew Storen, Rob Dibble and Jim Riggleman were joined by... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-make-care-packages-with-u.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-make-care-packages-with-u.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:15:51 -0500 On Thursday, the caravan began the day at historic Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington D.C. Stan Kasten and Mike Rizzo joined the crew for a quick lunch. "It's a pretty cool historic place," said Danny Espinosa, making his first visit to the famed eatery. "We had a good time." Espinosa was impressed by the many photographs of celebrity visitors including President Obama. After ordering a variety of items, the players mingled with the guests, handed out autographed cards and took... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-caravan-stop-at-bens-chil.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/nats-caravan-stop-at-bens-chil.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:36:09 -0500 On Wednesday evening, the Nationals caravan moved to Build-a-Bear at Tyson's Corner Center. They greeted fans, signed autographs and made their very own bears. Drew Storen was pretty pumped about his Batman owl. Manager Jim Riggleman was new to the process, but Rob Dibble showed him the ropes, step by step. To bring the bears to life, the guys had to warm up the hearts, spin around three times, make a wish and even do push ups! Here are... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/build-a-bear-stop-at-tysons-co.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/build-a-bear-stop-at-tysons-co.html Nationals Buzz Danny Espinosa Drew Storen Jim Riggleman Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Rob Dibble Ryan Speier Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:57:07 -0500 Today's first stop on the 2010 Winter Caravan brought Ryan Speier, Danny Espinosa, Drew Storen, Jim Riggleman and Rob Dibble into Unity Health Care's Southwest Health Center, just a few blocks from Nationals Park. The facility serves all D.C. residents, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care. In December, nearly forty Nationals front office employees helped to refurbish and repaint the health center as part of a project with Rebuilding Together. The Southwest Health Center also recently received... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/partnership-with-unity-health.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/partnership-with-unity-health.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:43:54 -0500 A whole host of Nationals news coming in this afternoon... First, the caravan kicks off tomorrow with Danny Espinosa, Drew Storen, Ryan Speier, Jim Riggleman and our very own Rob Dibble. Throughout the day, the group will visit the Southwest Health Center in DC, Hard Times Cafe in Arlington and Build a Bear in Tyson's Corner. Check Nats Buzz all week for updates, interviews, pictures, etc. I'll do my best to keep you updated on Twitter (@khudak11), but also make... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/caravan-dave-matthews-band-and.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/caravan-dave-matthews-band-and.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Mark Lerner Nationals Buzz Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:05:00 -0500 Jesus Flores can't make it to this week's caravan, but he has been pretty busy this offseason. The catcher spent the winter working out and rehabbing his shoulder in Miami. He expects to resume baseball activities next month and come back healthy, strong and ready for a productive 2010 season. Flores has been plagued by unfortunate injuries in recent seasons. His first big setback occurred in September of '08 following a dangerous collision with Chase Utley. Though his ankle was... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/flores-3.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/flores-3.html Nationals Buzz Jesus Flores Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:39:57 -0500 If you want to enjoy the season ticket holder experience but 22, 42 or 81 games are just too many for your budget or schedule, the Nats have a solution. Today, they introduced the Champions Plan (14 games for the price of 13), the Sunday Fun-day Plan (13 games for the price of 12), and Zim's Silver Slugger Plan (10 games for the price of 9). The Sunday plan is particularly exciting as fans can collect autographs before the game... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/three-new-mini-plans.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/three-new-mini-plans.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:04:52 -0500 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... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/where-at-nats-park-2.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/where-at-nats-park-2.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:13:16 -0500 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... http://masnsports.com/2010/01/umpires.html http://masnsports.com/2010/01/umpires.html Nationals Buzz Kristen Hudak Nationals Buzz Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:14:42 -0500