2019 World Series champion Gerardo Parra, who endeared himself to Nationals fans and baseball lovers across the globe with his “Baby Shark” walk-up music, will kick off 2023 Opening Day celebrations on Thursday, March 30, by leading the World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales on a parade around Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood.
Parra, who currently serves as Special Assistant to the General Manager with the Nationals, will ride the hitch as the Clydesdales depart from Nationals Park at the corner of First St. and N St. SE at 10:45 a.m. He will greet fans and pass out giveaways, including autographed memorabilia, along the route, which makes its way east on N St. before heading north on Fourth St. and turning back west on M St. The hitch will then proceed down Half St., where it will stop at Nationals Park’s Center Field Gates at approximately 11:15 a.m. The Budweiser Clydesdales, which are currently celebrating their 90th anniversary, will be available for photos outside the ballpark until gates open at 11:30 a.m., with one Clydesdale available for additional photos inside the ballpark near the Budweiser Brew House from 12:00-12:30 p.m.
The Washington Nationals face the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. on Opening Day, Thursday, March 30. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the neighborhood for pregame festivities and entertainment, including the Clydesdales parade, mascot appearances and more. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and on-field pregame ceremonies begin at 12:20 p.m. Tickets are available at nats.com/OpeningDay.
Parade Route: