Tribute For Heroes
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With Washington, D.C. as our home, the Nationals embrace the sacrifices made by those who bravely serve our country and we work year round to support military service members and their families. As an extension of our commitment to them, the club has teamed up with Major League Baseball and ‘PEOPLE’ magazine to highlight local veterans and military service members through the 2013 Tribute for Heroes campaign.
Nationals pitcher Craig Stammen – who joined Ross Detwiler on General Martin E. Dempsey’s USO Tour this offseason – played a particularly important role in this initiative, as he was a part of the panel that selected 90 heroes, three per MLB Club, for this special recognition. The finalists were announced Tuesday for this nationwide tribute and Nationals fans are encouraged to visit TributeForHeroes.com to vote for the local military service member they would like to see represent the Nationals at the All-Star Game. Voting runs through June 30.
Stammen, along with Major Leaguers Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers), Nick Swisher (Cleveland Indians), Barry Zito (San Francisco Giants), Jonny Gomes (Boston Red Sox), Brad Ziegler (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Chase Headley (San Diego Padres), helped select the brave individuals to show his appreciation for our troops’ service both locally and overseas. General Peter W. Chiarelli (retired) and General John M. “Jack” Keane (retired) also served on the panel.
Learn more about the following three heroes, who are the finalists selected to represent the Washington Nationals:
JOHN BELCHER
![TRIBUTE FOR HEROES FINALISTS[1].pdf](http://mlblogscurlyw.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/tribute-for-heroes-finalists_nationals-1.jpg)
John Belcher of Tunkhannock, Pa., served honorably for nearly 10 years as a Marine with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, earning numerous citations and medals for his bravery in combat. After his discharge, John began his career helping veterans. He interned for a U.S. Congressman and after only a few months was promoted to serve as the office’s Veteran Affairs Representative. In this position, he helped more than 600 veterans work through issues with Veterans Affairs. After a year, John was again promoted, to his current position of District Director, where he continues to aid veterans. Additionally, John has served as the Veterans Service Officer with his local American Legion post.
LORI KELLY
![TRIBUTE FOR HEROES FINALISTS[1].pdf](http://mlblogscurlyw.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/tribute-for-heroes-finalists_nationals-3.jpg)
“Service Before Self” is how Lori Kelly of Alexandria, Va., lives. Lori has served in the Air Force for 23 years and has earned many decorations throughout her career. She was recently named a Chief Master Sergeant select and handpicked to serve as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Larry Spencer. Lori works frequently with the Honor Flight program, recently escorting a group of 102 WWII veterans from Alabama to all of the memorials in Washington, D.C. The single mom also volunteers frequently at DC Central Kitchen, a food recycling and culinary training organization, and is an Assistant Scout Master and a Band Mom at her son’s school.
JULIE WECKERLEIN
![TRIBUTE FOR HEROES FINALISTS[1].pdf](http://mlblogscurlyw.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/tribute-for-heroes-finalists_nationals-2.jpg)
Julie Weckerlein of Centreville, Va., served 13-plus years in the Air Force with assignments in Germany, Italy, Ohio and at the Pentagon, as well as deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat correspondent. As a public affairs non-commissioned officer, she shared the Air Force story through print and photography. A proud wife, mother and long time blogger, Julie has been interviewed on military and veteran matters by news outlets including NBC and CNN. She now works in social media for the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., where part of her job involves raising awareness for veteran employment opportunities.
The chosen honoree will join 29 other representatives from across the League for All-Star Week festivities, including recognition during the pregame ceremony leading up to the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field on July 16 on FOX. One of the 30 honorees will also be featured in the July 22 issue of ‘PEOPLE,’ which hits newsstands Friday, July 12, the week of the MLB All-Star Game.
Tribute for Heroes supports Welcome Back Veterans and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, as well as “PEOPLE First: Help America’s Veterans,” the magazine’s 2013 charity initiative.
Honor our military heroes and the red, white and blue by voting today.
Highlights: 6.9.13
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6.9.13 Game 1 – Nationals 7, Twins 0
Stat of the Game: Jordan Zimmermann cruised, allowing just two hits over seven scoreless frames to earn his ninth win.
Under-the-Radar Performance: Anthony Rendon plated three RBI to guide the offense to its largest output since May 28.
It Was Over When: Ian Desmond‘s two-out, two-run single helped lead to a a five-run fifth frame and knocked Twins starter Scott Diamond from the game.
6.9.13 Game 2 – Nationals 5, Twins 4
Stat of the Game: The Nationals overcame an early three-run deficit with single runs in the third, fifth, sixth and seventh innings.
Under-the-Radar Performance: Six different relievers combined to throw six innings of three-hit, shutout ball to preserve the victory.
It Was Over When: Rafael Soriano got the final out, popping up Josh Willingham to strand the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at first.
What to Watch for: 6.9.13 – Game 2
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Minnesota Twins (27-32) vs. Washington Nationals (30-31)
RHP Sam Deduno (2-1, 3.44) vs. RHP Nathan Karns (0-1, 6.00)
Jordan Zimmermann’s seven innings of scoreless, two-hit ball led Washington to a 7-0 victory in Game 1 of this split twin-bill. Ian Desmond hit safely in each of his first three at-bats and Anthony Rendon plated three to lead the offense. Nathan Karns will look to deliver a sweep of the doubleheader and a series win as he takes the hill in his fourth Major League start at 1:05 p.m.
NATIONALS LINEUP:
1. Span CF
2. Bernadina LF
3. Zimmerman 3B
4. Werth RF
5. LaRoche 1B
6. Desmond SS
7. Rendon 2B
8. Solano C
9. Karns RHP
GAME 1 NOTES
Anthony Rendon has now reached base safely in eight straight big leagues games, going 10-for-26 (.385) with six walks, three doubles, two runs scored and three RBI…Ian Desmond has hit safely in 11 straight games at a .349 clip (15-for-43) with a walk, three doubles, two homers, six runs scored and six RBI…the streak matches the longest of his career (June 5-17, 2011). Meanwhile, defensively Desmond has played a career-high 42 consecutive errorless games…Jordan Zimmermann has not lost since May 17 of last season, a span of 19 starts. Zimmermann is 11-0 over that stretch at home, and the Nationals have not lost a game he has started in his last 13 outings in D.C.
Enjoy this GIF of Anthony Rendon’s fist-pump from Game 1.
What to Watch for: 6.9.13 – Game 1
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Minnesota Twins (27-31) vs. Washington Nationals (29-31)
LHP Scott Diamond (4-4, 4.66) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (8-3, 2.16)
The Nationals will play the second and third/final games of this series as part of a split doubleheader, with Game 1 beginning at 1:35 p.m. Washington will send Jordan Zimmermann to the hill, still in search of his ninth victory of the season after a loss and a no decision in his last two outings. The Nationals need wins in both games to secure a winning homestand before hitting the road for nine games, beginning Tuesday.
NATIONALS LINEUP:
1. Kobernus CF
2. Lombardozzi LF
3. Zimmerman 3B
4. Werth RF
5. LaRoche 1B
6. Desmond SS
7. Rendon 2B
8. Suzuki C
9. Zimmermann RHP
SAINT ANTHONY, RAKING
Anthony Rendon has reached base safely in seven straight big leagues games, going 8-for-23 (.348) with five walks, two doubles and two runs scored. The seven-game surge spans a pair of stints with Washington. Incidentally, in between the big league stints, Rendon combined to hit .316 (25-for-79) with 18 walks, eight doubles, two triples, four home runs, 11 runs scored and 17 RBI in 22 games for Double-A Harrisburg (19 games) and Triple-A Syracuse (three games).
GOOD WOOD, SLICK LEATHER
Ian Desmond has hit safely in 10 straight games at a .308 clip (12-for-39) with a walk, three doubles, two homers, four runs scored and four RBI. Desmond now has five career double-digit hit streaks to his credit, two this season (also a 10-gamer, April 24-May 3). He is currently a game shy of matching the longest hit streak (11 games, June 5-17, 2011) of his career. Meanwhile, defensively Desmond has played a career-high 41 consecutive errorless games (164 total chances) since last committing a miscue on April 21 at New York (NL). This is currently the longest streak of its kind among big league shortstops. The longest previous string of errorless games during Desmond’s career was 39 straight games, May 5-June 21, 2011.
HOME COOKING
Jordan Zimmermann has been particularly strong within the confines of Nationals Park, where he has not lost since May 17 of last season, a span of 18 starts. Zimmermann is 10-0 over that stretch at home, and the Nationals have not lost a game he has started in his last 12 outings in D.C.
Highlights: 6.8.13
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6.8.13 – Twins 4, Nationals 3 (11 innings)
Stat of the Game: Denard Span had three hits in his first game against his old club.
Under-the-Radar Performance: Jayson Werth belted his fifth home run of the season, his first since returning from the Disabled List earlier this week.
It Was Over When: The Twins pushed across a run in the top of the 11th with an RBI-single.
Top 10 List
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The 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft concludes Saturday with rounds 11-50 taking place this afternoon. On Friday, the Nationals completed the first 10 rounds of selections, snagging eight amateur players to join their second-round selection Jake Johansen, who was taken on Thursday night. Here is a brief overview of the first 10 rounds of Washington’s latest draft class.
RD. PICK NAME POS. HT. WT. B-T SCHOOL
2 68 Jake Johansen RHP 6’6” 235 R-R Dallas Baptist
3 105 Drew Ward 3B 6’4″ 210 L-R Leedy (OK) HS
4 136 Nicholas Pivetta RHP 6’5″ 210 R-R New Mexico JC
5 166 Austin Voth RHP 6’2″ 210 R-R U. Washington
6 196 Cody Gunter 3B 6’3″ 195 L-R Grayson Cnty (TX) JC
7 226 James Yezzo 1B 6’1″ 190 L-R U. Delaware
8 256 David Napoli LHP 5’10″ 180 R-L Tulane (LA)
9 185 Jake Joyce RHP 6’0″ 185 R-R Virginia Tech
10 316 Brennan Middleton SS 6’0″ 185 R-R Tulane (LA)
Check out our detailed report of Johansen, who took no time at all in becoming the first player of the draft class to sign with the club. In the meantime, here’s more on some other notable names on the list. Drew Ward is a unique case, having graduated high school early to make himself Draft eligible after what would have been his junior year. Already 6’4”, 210 pounds at just 18 years of age, the Oklahoma University commit is the highest position player selected by Washington this year.
The Nationals also selected a pair of junior college pitchers as well as a pair of Tulane University teammates on the second day of the Draft. But perhaps the player who stands out the most from the college ranks is seventh-rounder James Yezzo, a left-handed hitting first baseman who becomes the first player selected out of the University of Delaware since 2010. Yezzo led the Colonial Athletic Conference in a host of offensive categories on his way to Conference Player of the Year honors and a first-team All-American selection by Louisville Slugger.
The 2013 First-Year Player Draft concludes Saturday night while the Nationals are taking on the Twins.
What to Watch for: 6.8.13
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Minnesota Twins (26-31) vs. Washington Nationals (29-30)
RHP Kevin Correia (5-4, 4.09) vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.64)
After two rainouts, the Nationals are ready to get back on the field as they welcome the Minnesota Twins to Washington for the first time since 1971 in the first of a three-game set. Exactly a week after his last start in Atlanta where he received a no decision, despite only allowing one run on three hits, Gio Gonzalez takes the mound again, looking to replicate his stellar performance.
NATIONALS LINEUP:
1. Span CF
2. Werth RF
3. Zimmerman 3B
4. LaRoche 1B
5. Desmond SS
6. Rendon 2B
7. Bernadina LF
8. Suzuki C
9. Gonzalez LHP
YOUTH IS SERVED HERE
At the completion of play on June 4, the Nationals had the fourth-youngest 25-man roster in Major League Baseball with an average age of 28.11 years. When combining each team’s active roster and Disabled List, Washington is tied for the second-youngest MLB roster at 27.74 years. Of the 32 players either on the Nationals active roster or DL, nine are aged 25 or younger: Nathan Karns (25), Wilson Ramos (25), Drew Storen (25), Steve Lombardozzi (24), Stephen Strasburg (24), Jeff Kobernus (24), Anthony Rendon (23), Ian Krol (22), Bryce Harper (20).
THE NEWEST NEOPHYTE NATIONAL
Ian Krol struck out three (Daniel Murphy, David Wright, Lucas Duda) during a scoreless sixth inning in an impressive MLB debut for the Nationals on Wednesday. vs. NYM. Krol became the fifth Nationals to make an MLB debut this season. Krol joined Anthony Rendon (April 21 at NYM), Jeff Kobernus (May 25 vs. PHI), Nathan Karns (May 28 vs. BAL) and Erik Davis (June 2 at ATL) on this list. Only three teams in MLB have had more players make MLB debuts this season: Cardinals (7), Marlins (6), Twins (6).
SAINT ANTHONY
Anthony Rendon was selected by the Nationals two years (June 6, 2011) with the sixth overall selection in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Rice University. During a pair of big league stints, Rendon has played in nine games for the Nationals this season. The only other position player from the ‘11 Draft to have played in more MLB games is Boston’s Jackie Bradley, Jr. (19).
Tonight’s Nationals-Twins Game at Nationals Park Postponed
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Tonight’s Nationals-Twins game scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., has been postponed due to inclement weather.
The team will play a split doubleheader Sunday, June 9 with tonight’s make-up game beginning at 7:05 p.m.* The two games against the Twins on June 9 will require separate admission.
Fans with game tickets to tonight’s postponed contest may use their original tickets for the 7:05 p.m. make-up game on June 9. Those unable to attend the 7:05 p.m. game on June 9 can exchange their tickets for any remaining regular or value home game during the 2013 regular season. Exchanged tickets will be issued from available inventory in the closest pricing category of equal or lesser value to the original seats. **
Season Plan Holders, whose season plan includes seats for tonight’s postponed game, will have their Card automatically activated for the June 9 contest at 7:05 p.m. Season Plan Holders who wish to transfer, forward or exchange seats for this make-up game should login to nationals.com/access to view or exchange their seats. Season Plan Holders who cannot attend the 7:05 p.m. game on June 9 may exchange their tickets for any remaining regular or value home game during the 2013 regular season.**
In the event that a seat for tonight’s game was forwarded from a Season Plan Holder Card to a print at home ticket, the print at home barcode will be active for the make-up game and will not return to the Card; as such, fans should retain their print at home tickets for tonight’s game to gain entrance to the 7:05 p.m. contest on June 9.
For more information on exchanging tickets purchased through nationals.com or the Nationals telephone charge line, please call202.675.NATS(6287). On gamedays, the Nationals Park Box Office is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after the end of the game, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after the end of the game. Box office hours on non-gamedays are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
* First pitch, gate times and parking access for the second game is subject to change based on the conclusion of the first game
** All rain check exchanges are subject to availability
Another Arm in the Stable
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When fans of teams other than the Nationals think of Washington’s recent First-Year Player Draft history, they tend to focus on the pair of No. 1 overall picks, Stephen Strasburg from 2009 and Bryce Harper a year later.
However, Nationals fans know as well as anyone how important the second round of the draft can be. They drafted Jordan Zimmermann in the second round in 2007 out of little-known Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and two years later found another big leaguer in the recently promoted Jeff Kobernus. When their first pick came around at No. 68 this year, took the route they traveled six years ago, again daring to dream on a powerful, right-handed arm from a small school in Jake Johansen, a 6-foot-6 hurler out of Dallas Baptist University.
Johansen gives the Nationals another powerful, right-handed arm. (Paul Metzgar/Dallas Baptist)
There were differing opinions of Johansen from the draft experts, but ESPN’s resident guru Keith Law had the Allen, Texas native ranked 63rd on his board heading into Thursday night. The Nationals liked what they saw, especially Director of Scouting Kris Kline, who watched Johansen pitch twice in games this year before inviting him to a workout in D.C. earlier this week.
“This is what we seek when we go out to the ballpark every day,” said Kline of finding a player like Johansen among the countless hours of driving around the country scouting amateur players.
Kline does not like to make Major League comparisons when discussing draft selections, but he conceded that Johansen’s arm action and delivery very were similar to that of Josh Beckett, another hard-throwing Texan.
With a fastball that can top out in triple digits, Johansen’s upside is obvious. Kline says he usually sits around 94 with his fastball, which is complemented by a pair of breaking balls – a hard cutter/slider that he throws around 88-90 and a curveball. Kline suggests that the former is already an out pitch, but sees both developing as the Nationals coaching staff gets a chance to work with him.
“There’s no reason why, with a few tweaks from our staff, this guy can’t be a front-line guy,” said Kline, who went on to compare him to Washington’s first selection in last year’s draft. “If you put him next to (Lucas) Giolito, you’ve got some pretty good-looking bookends.”
Of course, the Nationals had the different experience of patiently sitting through more than four hours of proceedings before they could finally make their pick. While that’s a good thing in the larger view of it all – drafting later means you’re performing better on the field at the Major League level – it was nonetheless a relief to finally be able to choose the player they hoped would be available after all that time.
“I’m glad he fell into our laps at 68,” said Kline. “When I called him up, I said, ‘Are you as excited as I am? I’ve been waiting all night for this.’”
The 2013 First-Year Player Draft continues Friday at 1 p.m. with selection number 74. The Nationals next selection does not come until the 105th pick.
Press Release Regarding 6/6 Postponement
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Tonight’s Nationals-Mets game scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., has been postponed due to inclement weather.
The team will play a split doubleheader Friday, July 26 with tonight’s make-up game beginning at 1:35 p.m. The second regularly scheduled game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.* The two games against the Mets on July 26 will require separate admission.
Fans with game tickets to tonight’s postponed contest may use their original tickets for the 1:35 p.m. make-up game on July 26. Those unable to attend the 1:35 p.m. game on July 26 can exchange their tickets for any remaining regular or value home game during the 2013 regular season. Exchanged tickets will be issued from available inventory in the closest pricing category of equal or lesser value to the original seats.**
Season Plan Holders, whose season plan includes seats for tonight’s postponed game, will have their Card automatically activated for the July 26 contest at 1:35 p.m. Season Plan Holders who wish to transfer, forward or exchange seats for this make-up game should login to nationals.com/access to view or exchange their seats. Season Plan Holders who cannot attend the 1:35 p.m. game on July 26 may exchange their tickets for any remaining regular or value home game during the 2013 regular season.**
In the event that a seat for tonight’s game was forwarded from a Season Plan Holder Card to a print at home ticket, the print at home barcode will be active for the make-up game and will not return to the Card; as such, fans should retain their print at home tickets from tonight’s postponed game to gain entrance to the 1:35 p.m. contest on July 26.
For more information on exchanging tickets purchased through nationals.com or the Nationals telephone charge line, please call 202.675.NATS(6287). On gamedays, the Nationals Park Box Office is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after the end of the game, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after the end of the game. Box Office hours on non-gamedays are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
* First pitch, gate times and parking access for the second game is subject to change based on the conclusion of the first game
** All rain check exchanges are subject to availability
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