The Washington Nationals are in the World Series. Here’s why we’re in for a grand old time at the ballpark in Washington, DC.
The Nationals begin their first World Series in franchise history on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with two home games versus the Houston Astros guaranteed for Oct. 25 and 26 and potentially a third to be held on Oct. 27. So, as you make your plans and purchase your tickets, we’ve laid out the reasons why this will be a momentous occasion in the nation’s capital.
Since 2012, the Nationals have compiled a .563 winning percentage in the regular season. The team won National League East titles in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and reached the postseason via the Wild Card in 2019. With all of this #winning, the Nationals have become one of Major League Baseball’s most consistently successful franchises. Now, only the ultimate prize of a World Series championship remains on the wish list.
With young phenom outfielder Juan Soto, sensational third baseman and National League MVP candidate Anthony Rendon, speedy shortstop Trea Turner and franchise legend Ryan Zimmerman, the Nats sport a lineup that has been devastating to opposing pitchers this postseason. And don’t forget about National League Championship Series (NLCS) MVP Howie Kendrick, a 36-year old slugger who also delivered the decisive grand slam against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series. The Nationals are a beautiful mix of youth and experience.
Washington has some of the most exciting pitchers in Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer, who struck out 300 batters in 2018 and has turned in sterling performances in his last two postseason starts. Commonly known as “Mad Max,” he’s must-watch entertainment both on and off the mound (lookout for him in the dugout). Add in the electric Stephen Strasburg, the slider-hurling left-hander Patrick Corbin and the late-career effectiveness of the fun-loving Aníbal Sánchez and you’ve got one of baseball’s best rotations, one that totally flummoxed the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS.
DC is officially a culinary capital, receiving the Michelin Guide treatment the last two years. We’ll go one better and say Nationals Park is the best ballpark for food in Major League Baseball. Down a Ben’s Chili Bowl half-smoke, DC’s signature take on a hot dog, inhale a burger and shake from Shake Shack or try plenty of other delicious bites. Check out our full guide of where to eat and drink at Nationals Park.
Held in the middle of the fourth inning, the Presidents Race features a footrace with Mount Rushmore all-stars Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson and the oft luckless Teddy Roosevelt. However, Teddy won during Game 4 of the NLCS, which concluded with the Nationals clinching their first World Series berth. So…you never know who may come out on top. That’s why it’s fun
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