Father's Day at the Ball Game

For Father's Day, my son and I went to see a ball game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. They were playing the final home game (of three) against the Arizona Diamondbacks. We had won a ticket voucher at a church silent auction back in the Fall and finally cashed it in. We ordered the seats online, naturally requesting the best two available. Turns out they were in row F along the right field line. Five rows in front of us was the field! We'd never had such close seats at a game before.

View from the seats!

We arrived early. I thought the start time was 1:05 but it was really 1:35. We had plenty of time to get through security and get food. We watched the fun pre-game activities. Some kids came down to our section hoping to see and talk to a player. They had Nats jerseys on but had to customize them. The player is no longer with the Nationals, so they covered his name with duct tape (yet another use for duct tape!).

34 was Bryce Harper's number--he's a Philly now

Since it was Father's Day, a bunch of the players had their children come out to the field and catch ceremonial first pitches. The children ranged from maybe two-years old to pre-teen. Their skill level also had a wide range. They were all fun to watch.

Playing catch with daddy!

The game started. The Nats took an early lead, with plenty of good hitting from the start.

Still fabulous seats

To celebrate the day, I had an Earned Run Ale by Devil's Backbone Brewery. I am a sucker for thematic beers or ones with cool names. This was a little close to an IPA (not my favorite style) but it was good. The brewery is in Virginia and it seems like the ale is available mostly in Virginia and the District of Columbia. Cans have the Nats logo (that swoopy W) on them, so I guess it's the team's beer.

Pouring a beer

Closeup of the beer

Later on, they had the traditional "running of the Presidents," where the four guys from Mount Rushmore rush around the field trying to be the first in a foot race. This time, only three came out. George Washington was missing.

Start of the race

Once they got to a corner, Washington stepped out and offered them some fudge from Mount Vernon.

Teddy shares some fudge with Abe

While the other presidents were busy having a snack, the father of our country took off for the finish line. All by himself.

Going for the win

It certainly is easy to win a race when you are the only contestant putting in any effort!

Crossing the finish line

The game had plenty of excitement as the Nationals scored fifteen runs, including a smattering of home runs. The Diamondbacks only scored three times in the first eight innings, then started rallying in the ninth, loading the bases and getting two more runs in. The Nats finally shut them down with the final score of 15-5. The game was very satisfying for us fans and was a great way to spend Father's Day.