The Nationals hosted a rare doubleheader vs. the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday at Nationals Park, and if you’re a Nats fan, you couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon of baseball and presidents race excitement.
In fact, even Teddy fans got to taste a little sweet victory — not in the standings, but in the form of revenge against those cocky racing sausages from Wisconsin.
In the first race, the “un-racing sausages” jumped out to a big lead, followed closely by Teddy Roosevelt; but nine (9!) mascots from other local teams were waiting for them in ambush, and gang-tackled them all as they reached the home stretch.
Teddy had a clear path to the finish line, but chose instead to put a full body slam on “No-lish Sausage,” who’d already been knocked to the ground. George sneaked by for the win.
It was a convincing hit, and may be the only time Teddy’s fans have cheered him enthusiastically for blowing a race.
The other teams’ mascots were on
hand to help celebrate Screech’s birthday, and included Uncle Slam (Potomac Nationals), Pinch (Southern Maryland Blue Crabs), Talon (DC United), Testudo (University of Maryland), The Patriot (George Mason University), Jack (Georgetown University), George (George Washington University), Clawed Z. Eagle (American University), and YoUDee (University of Delaware).
In the second game, “Un-italian Sausage” replaced Teddy in a race against George, Tom, and Abe, and had the lead heading into the home stretch, but Teddy was waiting in foul territory, tending a kettle grill filled with sausages.
As the sausage ran by, Teddy nonchalantly lifted his arm and clotheslined the imposter, eliciting gasps from the crowd as Abe ran by for the victory.
The Nats now hit the road as a winning ball club for the first time in memory. Perhaps Teddy will be inspired and get back in the race by the 26th when the next homestand begins vs. the New York Mets.
Teddy photo courtesy of Kirsten Rae Irwin.
Mascot photo and videos courtesy of YouTube member lfahome.
LET TEDDY WIN 
You desperately need to find MASN’s video of Sunday’s race #1! Teddy powerdiving on top of the Unracing Sausage — in glorious super slow motion — was the best video ever. Must post a copy a.s.a.p.! 🙂
Nats320: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhx91DgjLZw&feature=player_embedded#at=34
I was there for the body slam game…that really looked painful! I was a little concerned that No-lish might not get up.
Shame too, because Teddy had a big lead up until then…
“‘Ballpark E-Guides 2011: Everything From Parking to Peanuts!’
Coming this May – Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Nationals Park!”
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Let Teddy Read!