A new year of Nationals baseball
Happy New Year to Nats fans everywhere!
Like you, I can't wait for the start of spring training, but until then we all can look to the future of what should be a very exciting season for the Washington Nationals.
I received a call a few days ago from Nats centerfielder Nyjer Morgan who just wanted to check in with "Disco Johnny" and see what I was up to and how my grandson Jack Rolle is doing.
I was very moved that Nyjer would take the time to check up on Jack! Naturally, our conversation also turned to the upcoming season and the great strides the ballclub has made in suring up a few spots.
The man they call Tony Plush can't wait to get down to sunny Florida and get rolling. Neither can I.
I hope you enjoyed my visit with newly signed pitcher Jason Marquis which MASN was pleased to show you live from Nationals Park. What a great addition to the Nats staff to get a guy like Marquis.
I hope 2010 brings you and yours nothing but the best.
No question, the past year did not exactly set the DC area's sports team on fire; thus there really is only one way to go, and that's up.
We still have some terrific basketball to watch over the next few months and let's not forget the Washington Capitals. I urge you to support your favorite team - whether it be high school, college, or the pros. They all need and deserve your backing.
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Categories (click for archive)Johnny Holliday | MASNblogs |
Hi Johnny,
It has been a rough year indeed in DC sports. I'm always happy for Caps and DC United fans when they win, but the big three--baseball, basketball and football--are what I care about the most.
I think the 09 Nats had a higher winning percentage than the 08 Wiz, 09 Wiz (so far), or 09 Redskins. This is a dismal state of affairs!
My prediction is that the Nats will add two more major players before spring training, and also add one minor player who will also contribute to the team. I also believe the Nats will be over .500 at home, although they'll fall a little short of .500 overall. This is ALL good news.
It going to be a fun year at Nats Park--look forward to seeing you at the park Johnny!
KM
Johnny- You were talking about spring training.....I ran across this rundown that I though the NatsTown family would enjoy.
1945 Spring Training Sites=
Cardinals- Cairo, IL
Reds- Bloomington, IN
Pirates- Muncie, IN
Braves- Washington DC
Giants- Lakewood, NJ
Phillies- Wilmington, Del.
Athletics- Fredrick, MD
Yankees- Atlantic City, NJ
Senators- College Park, MD
Red Sox- Pleasantville, NJ
I think "Mother Nature" is better suited for Florida and Arizona.
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
Happy New Year to you and your family, too!
Very nice of Nyjer to check up on Jack.
Definitely enjoyed the Marquis interview.
billn noted:
The item on 1945 spring training sites was terrific. Baseball operated during WWII under some real exemptions from travel restrictions, but I'd never thought of the impact on spring training. Interesting sites; I can't imagine Bloomington was all that great in February or March.
I assume the College Park facility (for the Senators) was at UM. I have no idea of whether the ball field was at the current Shipley Field location, but the university archives may shed some light.
After all, 1945 is even before Johnny started doing Terrapin play-by-play.
Bill N-
If our economy doesn't change we might see those locations again in the near future.
Along with the list, I read that the NY Giants were sole occupiants of a 45 room hotel in Lakewood, NY. The players traveled to pratice by horse and buggy because it was the most pratical means in view of the wartime gas and rubber rationing.
I just don't think the Nationals could even get the Rookies or Non Roster Players to follow that path today.
Go Cubs!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
Major screw up..... I've got family down from Newton, Il. visiting over the holidays and had to spend hours on end listing to yheir beloved Cubs stories. What did I do but type... Go Cubs, rather than Go Nats!!! Will everyone please excuse me for such a stupid error????? LOL
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
(And in respect for my Uncle.. Go Cubs!!! JA-Newton, IL. (Boy that hurt to type.)
Thanks for the explanation, RR. I *was* wondering about that. :-D
natsfan1b of my little cohort is a Cubs fan. Luckily, the one time that we attended a game with her in Chicago, the Cubbies were hosting the Mets, which made it easier to root for the home team.
Hey Natsfania- Coming from you, I feel alot better after my major error. You know that I'm alway blogging to show my "Total" support of our team.
Thanks again-
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
Good to hear from you. Can't wait for Spring Training to begin and look forward to a good year/ Nat's are moving in the right direction.
Hello Everyone-
I was just reading that the Nat's were looking at picking up Cabrera to play second base. That would keep Guzman at short. Would that be the best order? I would think that Guzman should make the move to second and have Orlando cover shortstop. He is coming off one of his best season, something more then what I could say about Guzman. It would also be cool to see him return to the Expo/National team where he once played.
I can't say much...it seems we are getting strong with every move!
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina
J.H.-
Sorry I missed you at the Tiger/Terp's game Sunday afternoon. . With the weather issues we had at the end of the week my work got behind and the only way out was using the weekend to catch up.
I'm glad to see our Tiger's were able to break out of their slump. Clemson hasn't always been know as a basketball school but Purnell is working to improve that issue.
Sorry I could come out to say hello-
Go Nats!!! RR-Upstate South Carolina