masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHeading into April, experts predicted big things for the Nats due to their strong pitching staff. However, those lofty expectations were exceeded as the Nationals finished with a 98-64 record. The team clinched a playoff berth on Sept. 20, and later the division on Oct. 1.

While many fans believed as early as spring training that the District would be represented in October, others referred to specific moments when they were able to put the label “the real deal” on the Nationals. From the…Heading into April, experts predicted big things for the Nats due to their strong pitching staff. However, those lofty expectations were exceeded as the Nationals finished with a 98-64 record. The team clinched a playoff berth on Sept. 20, and later the division on Oct. 1.

While many fans believed as early as spring training that the District would be represented in October, others referred to specific moments when they were able to put the label “the real deal” on the Nationals. From the debut of Bryce Harper on April 28 to the sweep of a hot Giants team on July 5, the Nats continued to win deeper into the season and more fans began to believe that the team had the ability to make its first postseason run.

On our Facebook page and Twitter thread, we asked fans when they knew the Nats were “the real deal.” Here’s how they answered.

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Illustration credit: Ally Bittner