Racing Presidents help christen “Natitude Park,” but Nats still don’t Let Teddy Win

Natitude on display at Washington Nationals Natitude ParkNatitude hastagPresidents race with NatitudeGeorge Washington wins the presidents race at Nationals ParkWhen the Washington Nationals introduced their much-misunderstood “Take Back the Park” program in February, and followed it in March with their 2012 Natitude marketing campaign, they put a lot on the line.

In shining a spotlight on past indignities, team president Andy Feffer left little room for error.  A poor start by the team or an overwhelming invasion by Phillies fans, and the Nats marketing team would be under major heat.

On Friday night, the Nationals doubled down on their brash marketing approach, renaming the stadium “Natitude Park,” and passing out “Our Park” signs to fans at the bottom of the stands.

Like it or not, the Nationals relentless marketing had an impact, as the term “Natitude” passed even “DC” and “Mitt Romney” among trending topics in the DC Twitterverse.

With group ticket sales curtailed, Phillies fans were dispersed throughout the ball park, and various attempts to start Phillies cheers were quickly drowned out by a packed house of Nats fans who clearly got the message, repeatedly drowning out the Phillies cheers every time they started.

The racing presidents ignited their Natitude by running through a giant hashtag to start their fourth-inning race. Apparently George Washington brought more Natitude to the table than his opponents, running away with the victory.

Before the game, rumors were flying from inside the stadium that the Nationals might let Teddy win if the game was a sellout.  It wasn’t, but it’s still very possible for Saturday afternoon, when the busloads arrive from Philly.

Video courtesy of YouTube member lfahome

Lincoln wins one for Mark Grace.

Mark Grace with the racing presidents - Photo by Teddy26NatsAbe Lincoln wears a Mark Grace mask to win the presidents race at Nationals ParkAbe Lincoln wears a Mark Grace mask to win the presidents race at Nationals ParkRacing Mark Grace may have never won the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Legends Race, but at least he can now claim a victory in the Washington Nationals presidents race.

Despite being in the Nationals Park press box for Fox Sports Arizona, the Dbacks veteran and broadcaster failed to respond to a challenge from the racing presidents; so Honest Abe took things into his own hands.

After Wednesday night’s race, the presidents held up signs saying “Racing Gracie = No Show,” and “He Must Be Scared.”

On Thursday, Lincoln emerged for the fourth inning presidents race wearing a makeshift “Racing Gracie” mask.  The great emancipator then proceeded to smoke his competition, earning a first victory of sorts for the hard-luck Legend.

After winning the game and yet another series, the Nationals are riding high entering Take Back the Park Weekend, which kicks off Friday night vs. the Phillies.  The effort has drawn national attention, and most recently led D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray to issue a proclamation declaring an official “Natitude Weekend.”  With Stephen Strasburg set to kick off the festivities Friday night, Nationals Park should be rocking, and fans should leave extra time to get to the park.

Photo/Washington Nationals

Nationals trot out “classic” presidents for Harper’s debut

Washington Nationals racing presidents begin the presidents race at Nationals ParkPresidents Race runs left George Washington Wins photo by Cheryl NicholsPresidents Race Teddy Roosevelt Loses with bulging pantsNationals Park was buzzing Tuesday night as the hometown fans got their first glimpse of rookie sensation Bryce Harper.

Harper is already beloved for his throwback-style approach to the game, and perhaps in appreciation, the Nationals brought back the “classic” racing presidents to kick off the homestand.  It was their first appearance of the season, and with luck they’re back to stay.

For those who hoped Harper’s debut might be an excuse for the team to finally let Teddy win, the fourth-inning festivities were yet another cause for disappointment.

The presidents ran left for the third time this season, moving the finish line to the third base side.  Teddy had an early lead, but may have been slowed by his bulging belly, which seemed to drop lower and lower as the race progressed.

George Washington put on a burst of speed to take the victory and move past Abe Lincoln in the season standings.

Finish line photos courtesy Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page

Canine Teddy fan wins Fan of the Game at Pups in the Park

If the 2012 elections were held today, Teddy Roosevelt has an early “leg up” on the canine vote.

Cachucha the pug of Adams Morgan at the Nationals Park Pups in the Park Day photo by Johanna DiazAdams Morgan pug Cachucha brought her owner Johanna Diaz to Nationals Park for Saturday’s “Pups in the Park” day, decked out to support her favorite racing president, Teddy Roosevelt.

Cachucha took the pre-game parade seriously, sporting an elaborate “float” that included a Teddy Roosevelt bobblehead doll mounted on her back.

“She was really hoping her float would give him an edge for a win,” said Diaz.
Let Teddy Win Dog T-Shirt“She was soaking in the glory of being on the field, and sending some good vibes for Teddy.”

Sadly, the pups simply proved to be a distraction for Roosevelt, but Cachucha got a consolation prize: She was featured on the HD scoreboard and voted fan of the game by the Nationals Park crowd.

“Teddy has always been her favorite,” added Diaz. “If she could wear a monocle, she would.”

With three more Pups in the Park promotions scheduled for this summer, perhaps Cachucha can start a whole canine cheering section for our favorite president.

…and if a float isn’t your dog’s thing, there’s always the Let Teddy Win T-Shirt for dogs (above).

Nationals Park photo courtesy of Johanna Diaz

Video: Pups in the Park proves distracting for animal lover Teddy Roosevelt

Pups in the Park at Nationals ParkHundreds of dogs and their owners got to witness another walk-off win for the Nationals Saturday as the team’s annual Pups in the Park promotion returned to Nationals Park.

Barkley, the canine mascot of the Washington Humane Society, was on hand to assist with the day’s festivities, but proved to be a distraction for fellow mascot and noted animal lover Teddy Roosevelt. B

Barkley and Teddy were busy playing in the outfield as the fourth-inning presidents race got underway. Roosevelt failed to compete as George Washington took the tape.

The sellout event, in which tickets and accommodations are provided for dogs and their owners, has been expanded to four dates this season. Dog tickets are still available for June 2 against the Atlanta Braves, July 7 against the Colorado Rockies and Sept. 22 against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Photo by Flickr member Devilish Wahoo

Video: Teddy gives priority to National High Five Day

Thursday was National High Five Day, and even if presidents race fans are unfamiliar with the holiday, it should come as no surprise that it did not escape the attention of one Theodore Roosevelt.

When the presidents were announced for Thursday night’s race at Nationals Park, Teddy failed to appear on the field. As George, Tom, and Abe paused to look up at the Nationals Park HD scoreboard, Teddy appeared on the concourse, still giving out high fives to fans.

In a sprint to a photo finish, George Washington took his second victory of the young season.

Video courtesy of YouTube member lfahome

Wire to wire with no shenanigans

The smallest crowd of the season got to witness an increasing rarity Wednesday night at Nationals Park. The Nationals racing presidents ran wire to wire with no tricks, gimmicks, or foul play.

Teddy Roosevelt got a hot start but showboated early, skipping and taking a wide turn out of the center field gate. The pause proved costly in the stretch, as the Bull Moose put on a late charge but didn’t have quite enough left to catch Abe Lincoln.

Video courtesy of YouTube member lfahome

Video: Teddy stops to look for the Shuttle Discovery

Teddy Roosevelt looks for the Space Shuttle during the Presidents Race - photo by Cheryl NicholsThe Space Shuttle Discovery’s flight to its final resting place went right over South Capital Street Tuesday morning, but Teddy Roosevelt must have missed the spectacle, because when the presidents race began just before 8:00pm at Nationals Park, Roosevelt was still looking up.

As they promised they would from time to time, the Nationals reversed the direction of the fourth-inning race, and this time, Teddy got the memo, jumping out to an early lead along the left field warning track.

But Teddy stopped shortly after the race began to look up at the skies. It was only through the prompting of PA Announcer Jerome Hruska that Teddy got back to running, but by then it was too late. In a photo finish, Jefferson edged George Washington for the win.

Photo courtesy Cheryl Nichols/DistrictSportsPage
Video courtesy YouTube member lfahome

Video: Washington turns on Jefferson in the outfield

Washington Nationals Presidents Race: George Washington turns on Thomas Jefferson on Emancipation DayWashington Nationals Presidents Race: George Washington tackles Thomas Jefferson in the outfield on Emancipation DayIt was Emancipation Day Monday, and followers of the Washington Nationals presidents race were calling on Twitter for an easy commemorative victory for Abraham Lincoln.

It took a little unexpected help from two slave owners to make it happen.

After jumping to an early lead, George Washington turned around on the warning track and plowed right into Thomas Jefferson, knocking him into the outfield wall and leaving both on the ground.

With George and Tom out of the way, the Great Emancipator sprinted past Roosevelt for the win.

Video courtesy of YouTube member lfahome

Video: Werth runs across the finish line. Teddy doesn’t.

As promised, here’s the full video of today’s presidents race, in which Jayson Werth busted across the finish line before the race began.

Perhaps Werth was trying to silently protest on behalf of the Bull Moose Party. Perhaps he was trying to set an example for Teddy. Either way, Roosevelt failed to deliver, cutting the outfield corner to take the lead, but then tripping short of the finish line.

Teddy is now the only racing president without a victory in 2012.



Video courtesy of YouTube member lfahome

Video: Jayson Werth, still messing with the presidents race

As the Washington Nationals left the field after the top of the fourth inning today, right fielder Jayson Werth took the opportunity to once again interfere with the Nats’ presidents race.

Werth is an outspoken critic of the conspiracy that keeps Teddy Roosevelt out of the win column at Nationals Park, but this time chose a less disruptive way to protest, running through the finish line tape before the race began.

The Nat Pack recovered in time to reset the finish line. Roosevelt trailed early, but inspired by Abe’s behavior of the day before, decided to try the trick himself, cutting the outfield corner to take the lead from Jefferson.

Racing Presidents Jackie Robinson Day by Cheryl NicholsBut in the home stretch, Jefferson tripped behind Teddy, and Roosevelt toppled like a Domino, allowing George Washington to run past for the victory.

The racing presidents all wore #42 Sunday, as part of Major League Baseball’s Jackie Robinson Day.

More video to follow.

Photo courtesy Cheryl Nichols/DistrictSportsPage

Video: Change in presidents race direction confuses Teddy too. Abe cheats but gets the win.

Presidents Race Teddy Runs the wrong wayNationals presidents race Teddy behindWashington Nationals Presidents Race Abe Lincoln WinsTeddy in Cherry Blossom Parade photo by Sarah GuthrieThe Nationals’ apparent decision to vary the location of the presidents race finish line in 2012 isn’t just confusing for the spectators at Nationals Park. Apparently Teddy Roosevelt is a bit out of sorts over it as well.

After alternating the location for the first two games, the Nationals gave the reasonable impression that the pattern might continue, so when the gates opened for Saturday’s 4th inning presidents race, Roosevelt took off for the 3rd base line.

After realizing he’d run the wrong way, Teddy slammed on the breaks and reversed course, but by then, he was a distant 4th with no chance to catch George Washington.

Abe Lincoln, however, cut the outfield corner to pass George at the turn, and in a tight 3-way finish, edged out his competition to take the tape.

“Honest” Abe’s history of cheating is well-documented, but presidents race finish line judge Screech once again ignored Abe’s transgression, and awarded the victory to Abe.

The race capped a busy day for Teddy and the rest of the racing presidents.

After completing a rare late night presidents race doubleheader in extra innings last night, the team was up early to participate in this morning’s National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

Video below courtesy of YouTube member lfahome.
Parade photo by Sarah Guthrie.

Video: Presidents race twice. Abe ambushes Teddy in the 13th inning. TJ takes two.

As promised, the Nationals moved the presidents race back to the first base line for Friday’s outing, but despite getting a rare second chance, the result was the same for poor Teddy Roosevelt.

The racing presidents on Segway personal trainersPresidents-Race-Extra-InningsIn the 4th inning, the presidents competed aboard Segway personal transporters, and despite his height, Jefferson managed to outmaneuver the other racing presidents, speeding around Teddy to take the victory.

Fans in attendance got a rare treat when the game stretched into the 13th inning: a second official presidents race. It was the ninth such opportunity in Nationals history — an opportunity that was wasted on Lincoln, who chose to hide in the bullpen instead of participate, then jump out mid-race to ambush Teddy Roosevelt.

With Teddy on the ground, Jefferson and Washington burst by and made it a two-man race, with Tom edging George at the wire to take an unprecedented 3-0 lead in the standings after just two home games.

The first race:

And the second race:

Videos courtesy YouTube member lfahome

Nats say presidents race move wasn’t to avoid foul play

The Nats are saying Thursday’s surprise change in direction of the opening day presidents race was not designed to avoid foul play by the likes of Jayson Werth, according to a report this morning by Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post.

The source said that the team plans to alternate which side of the field the presidents run on, a strategy that’s equally likely to confound any sabotage plans, and anybody else who wants to (ahem) cheer and/or photograph the finish line.

Steinberg is a close follower of the Let Teddy Win movement, and thank goodness, because the Post gets messages returned a lot faster than the rest of us. LTW’s inquiries about future plans for the race were not answered.

UPDATE: Soon after this posted, I heard back from a Nats spokesperson who wanted to point out that Thursday was not the first time that the Presidents have run that path. “We like to keep fans on their toes and mix the race up from game to game, depending on what works best,” she said. When had they run that path before? On the final race of the 2011 season.

Photo by Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page

Video: Jefferson slips Teddy and CM Punk’s trap as the presidents race is moved for 2012

If opening day at Nationals Park was any indication, it’s going to be a wild and exciting year on South Capitol Street.

A sellout crowd turned out Thursday afternoon to watch Gio Gonzalez pitch a gem in his Nationals Park debut, capped by a walk-off extra-innings Nationals victory that moved the team into sole possession of first place in the NL East. With the team having seemingly turned a corner, Teddy Roosevelt fans were hoping the Nats might use the occasion to finally Let Teddy Win.

Teddy Roosevelt and CM PunkWashington Nationals Racing Presidents get tied up in their shoelacesTeddy Roosevelt Washington Nationals presidents raceWashington Nationals presidents race Teddy Roosevelt Thomas JeffersonWashington Nationals presidents race photo finishDream on.

In a surprise move, the Nationals moved the presidents race to the left field/third base line and out of reach of the Nats bullpen, protecting the race against a repeat of last season’s attempted interference by players on Teddy’s behalf.

Roosevelt made a third inning appearance on the Nationals Park scoreboard with professional wrestler CM Punk. The clip showed the two sneaking up on Teddy’s napping opponents behind the centerfield wall, tying their shoelaces together, and then sneaking off (video below).

When the race began in the middle of the fourth inning, Teddy’s rivals George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln immediately tripped on their shoelaces and tumbled onto the warning track.

Roosevelt took off, hopping and skipping around the left field corner on his way to the finish line.

But the quick-thinking Jefferson was on his tail, running barefoot and carrying the shoes he slipped off as soon as he had discovered the scheme.

TJ caught Teddy as they approached the finish line, holding out his sneakers to break the tape and steal the first presidents race of 2012.

As for their move of the presidents race to the opposite side of the stadium, the Nats have so far been mum; but after the game, outspoken Teddy supporter Jayson Werth expressed his displeasure once again with the conspiracy.

“What’s the poor guy got to do to get a win?,” Werth said. “A great American president. Just a great American, period.”

An informal survey of fans in the stands suggested that season ticket holders are not happy with the move either.

The presidents have built a loyal cheering section along the right field and first base lines, home to the Nats’ largest season ticket base. All eyes will be on the field for the fourth inning Friday to find out if order will be restored.

Videos courtesy YouTube member lfahome

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