As a die-hard Washington Nationals fan for all 22 seasons to date, I have had the pleasure of some wonderful experiences related to the team and the game. The charitable arm of the team, the Washington Nationals Philanthropies, supports multiple terrific programs in the city (including its signature Nationals Youth Baseball Academy) through direct support from the Lerner family and fundraising activities in the community. The annual gala includes the opportunity to dine with a player (my dinner with Ian Desmond is one of my greatest memories) as well as the opportunity to bid on auction items. I previously bid on and won the opportunities to attend a taping of Pardon the Interruption and to announce “let’s play ball!” at a home game.
In March of this year, I bid on and won the most amazing experience — an opportunity to join the team for 6 games on the current west coast swing. When the team has two opponents close enough that it travels by bus between the cities, friends and family are invited to join the party. Our experience allows us to tag along. This has included staying at the team hotels in LA and San Diego, tickets to all six games, and riding the team buses to the games in LA and between LA and San Diego.
WOW! JUST WOW! I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk to many of the coaches and players and their families. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming.
Unfortunately, the Nationals did not win any games in LA but we were in the mix and the games were exciting. CJ Abrams hit his 30th home run of the year last night. On Friday, pitcher Jack Sinclair made his MLB debut with a 3 up, 3 down inning. He learned that he was getting the call to go to the show on Thursday, missed his first scheduled flight to LA, arrived late and pitched his first inning on Friday. His parents were able to scramble and get to LA on Friday to see his debut. Visiting with them and sharing in their pride has been a highlight of the trip. I also met and was able to congratulate Jack on his accomplishment.
I’ve met too many players and families to name them all. Each of them has been gracious and kind. Waiting for the buses to leave LA last night provided the opportunity for a lovely visit with Nasim Nuñez and his parents. His mother confirmed that he is almost universally happy. He went over his at bats with his Dad, pitch by pitch.
The children on the trip are adorable. Tena, Ruiz and Butera kids all contribute to the cute kids club.
The bus ride after the game last night was quiet. We left LA after 10 pm and arrived in San Diego after 1 am. Room keys were ready and laid out by category — players and media. Mine were in the media section.
A 2 pm start today means little rest for the wearied players. Most of the families traveled to San Diego yesterday afternoon, rather than after the game last night, so hopefully they are more rested. Jake Irvin is on the bump. I’ve never been to Petco Park and I’m looking forward to checking it out.
Kudos to Cade Cavalli and Seaver King. Cade has allowed 3 earned runs or less in 28 starts during the 2026 season, which leads all of Major League Baseball. And, Seaver King earned the title of Nationals minor league offensive player of the year.
We ARE the envy of sports off the field! I can’t imagine a club with nicer coaches, players and families.
#thenatslady #theswarm
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