Atoms show their Natitude

Melanie Valencia and Sergio Pozo|April 19, 2016

As the spring season commences, the Washington Nationals prepare for a pressure packed season. Having not made a playoff appearance since 2014, the Nats hope to turn that around this year. 
Led by star player Bryce Harper who received the MLB National All-Star award in 2015, the Nats hope to use this as momentum to keep their mindset in check. Expectations are high at Annandale hoping for a playoff berth and a division win.
“This year I hope that the Nats lead in the Eastern Division and make a run in the playoffs. Last year we struggled to edge the New York mets in the division. We finished in second which was not enough to make it to the playoffs,”  senior Colin Corey said.
With the coming of a new coach, Dusty Baker, replacing former coach Matt Williams, students expect a positive outcome by the end of the 2016 season. Ironically, Baker was drafted by the Atlanta Braves, the team the Nats traded a player to and the team they faced in their first two games.
“Since they have really good players and new coach, I’m hoping it’s a good year. I’m hoping this coach will be able to do things the other coach couldn’t,” senior Kevin Folli said. 
However, in the process of gaining a new coach a player was traded away. Tyler Moore was drafted by the Nats in 16th round of the 2008 MLB draft. Students were in dismay when they found out he was traded to the Atlanta Braves who they beat in the first two games of the season.
“I hate the fact that they traded Tyler Moore. I liked seeing him play, he was one of my favorite players on the team because of his work ethic and his style of play,” senior Hannah Curran said.
Fans are hopeful that Harper will be able to deliver the same performance he did last year. Hitting a home-run on his first bat in the first game of the season, he shows signs of an elite performance once again.
“Harper has a lot at stake this year, after doing so well last season, there is a lot of pressure on him,” Corey said.
With Ben Revere and Daniel Murphy joining this year’s lineup, the team is hopeful that the new players will be able to contribute their talent to take them far.  After signing Mark Scherzer to a seven year $210 million contract, the Nats were forced to forfeit their first round pick. Despite this, they were able to draft solid players including Andrew Stevenson from LSU and Blake Perkins from Verrado High School. 
“They have a good starting lineup and good pitchers that would get the job done,” freshman Ethan Zimmerman said.
Although the game is the main focus of those who go, there are many different activities and trinkets that people also look forward to.
 “I enjoy going with friends, the environment is welcoming, the people have awesome energy, the tickets are cheap and watching good baseball,” Corey said, “and part of the fun in going is also not watching at all and just having a great time laughing with friends. Also, being with a crowd that is supporting the same team as you is unifying even if you don’t know who the person is next to you.”
From overpriced food to the presidential race, there are many different aspects a baseball game has to offer. This year presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt will be seen running along the bases.
“I’m excited about being in an exciting environment that has an uplifting atmosphere. Also seeing home runs and meeting the presidents who run in the presidential race,” Curran said. 
Starting off the season with two wins, the Nats are on pace to have at least a winning record. With  their talents and support from their fans, the team is hopeful they will at least make it to playoffs. However, baseball is not only a suspenseful game, it is also a place where families can come together and enjoy time spent together.