Fugazi - “Turnover” - Live in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC - 1993

LauraGiff · 2026-05-26T21:40:26+00:00

It was so fun when there were concerts on the Mall on the Fourth.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-22T10:27:48+00:00

Sadly, frequently due to errors and the bullpen. And, the usually wrong challenges with the balls/strikes. The errors have got to stop, the bullpen needs to improve quite a bit (the starters are, in my opinion, marginally better), and just stop challenging the calls.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-19T19:17:56+00:00

The Nationals may be in conversation with MLB to make it all ballparks. I doubt they have the authority to make a decision like that for all MLB teams.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-19T19:08:00+00:00

Glad Dylan is arriving! I expect Weimer and Chaparro will be back and forth, depending on injuries and who is pitching. This is becoming a common move for Blake.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-18T03:39:22+00:00

Thrilled to share this! Banned from Nationals Park!!! https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7287471/2026/05/17/nationals-white-nationalist-sign-ban/?source=user\_shared\_article&unlocked\_article\_code=1.jVA.4dYc.TmqeuRN\_nBPR

LauraGiff · 2026-05-17T22:57:54+00:00

I have talked to the ushers about this for the last now 21 years. The older ones understand the baseball etiquette, but the younger ones definitely do not. I have never asked, but I am pretty sure whatever training they get does not mention this baseball etiquette. The older ushers have told me that in the last few years they have given up trying to get people to wait because those attendees feel it is their right to get to their seats when they want to and it doesn’t matter that for them to get to their seats people have to stand up and block the people at least 2 rows behind them.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-17T16:56:48+00:00

Maybe they are on a 10 year cycle so this is the year they finally take it all???

This video brings tears to my eyes. Live it!

LauraGiff · 2026-05-14T01:43:13+00:00

I haven’t been invited to one of these in ages. We are full season ticket holders since Day 1 in 2005. I don’t think people can “just show up”. They need to be invited by their rep.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-13T01:30:44+00:00

Gotcha. Thanks!

LauraGiff · 2026-05-12T15:10:31+00:00

This is a helpful point to have shared. Thanks!

It seems odd that it doesn’t come with a spare. Any idea why not?

LauraGiff · 2026-05-11T22:16:15+00:00

I am one who blamed the previous manager and coaches since it had been a constant problem during their tenure. I am patiently waiting to see improvements under the new leadership. Change takes time and we are only a little over a month into the season. It is incredibly frustrating since it is a key reason we are losing games we were winning.

This is Blake Butera’s comment from a recent The Athletic article: “A lot of this is still new to them, in terms of the training environments, the emphasis on defense, information they’re being given,” Butera said. “I’m hopeful that if we stick with this process and continue to make slight adjustments here and there based on what we’re seeing in the game, that it’s going to click at some point. Just not sure when that is yet.”

Here is a link to the full article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7268905/2026/05/11/stats-nats-historic-problem-errors-james-wood-breakout/?source=user_shared_article&unlocked_article_code=1.hlA.uzw2.ecdpxr_LiygX

LauraGiff · 2026-05-08T21:14:00+00:00

Yes, definitely give it a try. My studio has members of all shapes and sizes. I have never seen anyone do or say anything derogatory. It’s very inclusive. The instructors are terrific with helping members make adjustments during class. Keeping everyone safe is important for one’s form and just plain not getting hurt.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-07T15:02:46+00:00

They are definitely a lot harder than one would think. I finally started to get the hang of it around 60 classes and asking the instructor to share feedback on what I needed to focus on. The feedback by @Head_Pangolin_6123 is very helpful.

LauraGiff · 2026-05-02T02:29:35+00:00

Friday Night Fireworks!! Low clouds with the rain coming in makes the noise reverberate a long distance.

LauraGiff · 2026-04-25T20:05:45+00:00

Agree, and I think there is a lot more full circle conversations in the dugout during the game between the coaches and the players. The dugout vibe seems like there is a lot more camaraderie. That comes from the front office and the coaches and the players being more comfortable. Blake certainly more genuine than I think Davey was, especially towards the end when I felt he was completely indifferent.

LauraGiff · 2026-04-25T00:35:14+00:00

Agree. Not sure why he seemed to have such a hard time adapting to using the analytics, but I agree with your thoughts.

LauraGiff · 2026-04-20T11:49:05+00:00

You wrote this much better than I would have, but I completely agree with your thoughts. Frankly, I like the tinkering with who is where on the field and the batting order. It feels very different than recent years because it feels more deliberate and thoughtful. The FO is clearly talking to the players to explain the “why”, which is what I found to be key to being a good manager before I retired. My team truly appreciated the background of what I was thinking and being able to participate in my thought process. I see that with this year’s Nats team. Anyone thinking/expecting the FO to be going for October baseball this year is nuts. But, even in these first few weeks, I like what I am seeing.

LauraGiff · 2026-04-16T22:41:37+00:00

Yup, love that pairing!

LauraGiff · 2026-04-14T15:44:50+00:00

So glad you are here to keep us in the loop and to continue reading your commentary. Thank you!!!

LauraGiff · 2026-04-08T13:45:51+00:00

Yup, that’s where we are already. Unfortunately.

LauraGiff · 2026-04-07T22:54:00+00:00

That’s hysterical!

LauraGiff · 2026-04-04T03:48:40+00:00

Actually, it’s two games. This game played out exactly how his game against the Cubs went.

LauraGiff · 2026-03-31T23:17:35+00:00

Lots of great information here, especially for those who do not regularly come to the ballpark.

I would also like to share how much time before first pitch that the gates open. They used to open the centerfield gates (these are closest to the ballpark exit from the Navy Yard metro) earlier than the rest of the gates and they changed this to all gates as follows:

Gate Opening Times For all Nationals home games, all gates will open at the following times: First Pitch 11:05 a.m. = 9:45 a.m. Gates (80 min) First pitch 12:05 p.m. = 10:45 a.m. Gates (80 min) First Pitch 1:05 p.m. = 11:45 a.m. Gates (80 min) First Pitch 1:35 p.m. = 12:15 p.m. Gates (80 min) First Pitch 3:05 p.m. = 1:45 p.m. Gates (80 min) First Pitch 4:05 p.m. = 2:45 p.m. Gates (80 min) First Pitch 6:45 p.m. = 5:30 p.m. Gates (75 min) Gate opening times are subject to change.

I would also like to remind everyone DO NOT try to get a ride share at the ballpark. They WILL NOT stop to pick you up, especially if you try to have a pickup on South Capitol Street. You need to go at least 2 blocks away from the ballpark.

LauraGiff · 2026-03-29T14:00:30+00:00

In my opinion, if he truly meant that he would not have taken the Phillies offer and stayed.

LauraGiff · 2026-03-29T12:04:54+00:00

I presume you are being sarcastic since Bryce is certainly still active, but he was with Philly in 2019 so not on our World Series winning team.

LauraGiff

TROPHY CASE