Out of the Park: The good and bad from the rest of D.C. sports, plus National Hat Day

Good news: Nationals pitchers and catchers report in almost a month (Feb. 18)!

Bad news: One of the other D.C. teams that was holding you over until then finished its season last weekend.

Even though the Redskins were handed an early exit in their surprising playoff run at the hands of a 35-18 defeat to the Green Bay Packers, there is a lot of upside for this team in the future. And MASN's Dan Kolko, for one, enjoyed a season that surpassed expectations, included a division championship and left something to look forward to.

Fun ride. I like the way things are trending.

-- Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) January 11, 2016

But Sunday wasn't all bad. A D.C. athlete reached a major milestone in his career when Alex Ovechkin scored his 500th career NHL goal, and Bryce Harper was sure to recognize his fellow Most Valuable Player.

Congrats to @ovi8 on his 500th goal!! What an incredible accomplishment!!! #DCpride. #Gamer

-- Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) January 11, 2016

D.C. athletes supporting D.C. athletes. It's a beautiful thing.

Monday night was the end of the college football season with the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between No. 1 Clemson and No. 2 Alabama. Nats ace Max Scherzer was able to take in that instant classic of a game in person with wife Erica.

Oh baby! At the Natl Champ game! pic.twitter.com/IVU18RXHPq

-- Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) January 12, 2016

A self-proclaimed "Avid Mizzou Tiger fan," Scherzer was probably rooting for fellow SEC school Alabama, but he was disappointed the Crimson Tide fans for their showing at the game.

Bama is going to win but they didn't even travel well. Clemson outnumbers them 2:1. Alex Avila is the epitome of them, sitting at home

-- Max Scherzer (@Max_Scherzer) January 12, 2016

MASN's F.P. Santangelo took in the game from home, wishing he was listening to legendary college football play-by-play announcer Keith Jackson on the call.

Whoa Nellie! If this game had Keith Jackson it would be perfect. Shapin up to be a doozey #CFBChampionship

-- F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) January 12, 2016

I'm a Brent Musburger fan myself ("You are looking live at ..."), but I'll never forget Jackson's call on the 2006 Rose Bowl Game between USC and Texas. But I digress ...

Santangelo also had some suggestions for Major League Baseball heading into the 2016 season.

Baseball couldn't have a pylon cam in first base and third base for fair foul calls over the base??

-- F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) January 12, 2016

On Tuesday, the Nationals announced they were holding tryouts for the Racing Presidents this Sunday, so MASN Dan reminded everyone to not ask him for pointers.

Nats will hold Racing Presidents auditions on Sunday, January 17. Don't ask me for pointers. I was terrible. pic.twitter.com/VeXIcZpxwx

-- Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) January 12, 2016

"Terrible," Dan? I think you're too hard on yourself. The effort was there and you finished. That's all that matters.

Today is #NationalHatDay, and it's perfect timing as Harper signed a partnership deal with New Era earlier this week.

Growing up I dreamed of putting on a @neweracap every day on a baseball field, now I'm a the brand ambassador! Can't thank @neweracap enough for the partnership! Also, thank you @kylechristy for a great shoot #MLB

A photo posted by Bryce Harper (@bharper3407) on Jan 12, 2016 at 2:09pm PST

Which Nats hat is your favorite? I think my favorite would actually be a sleeper pick for most fans: the batting practice hat. I just like how it promintely shows all three Nationals colors.

Note: As avid social media users, you are all aware of fake accounts out there. But just to make sure, Anthony Rendon wants to remind you that you can only follow the real him on Twitter.

Yoooooooooooooo! Just wanted to announce the only current social media I have is Twitter. All others are fake accounts.

-- Anthony Rendon (@Anthonyrendon_6) January 14, 2016