Washington Nationals Going to World Series

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the National League” (Hat tip Gene Mack)

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A bit of history was made last night when the Washington Nationals not only won their first National League pennant in franchise history (which began with the Montreal Expos), but also gave Washington DC its first Series appearance since 1933.

For you younger readers, a bit of baseball history is in order. One of the early American League teams was the old Washington Senators, which eventually moved to Minneapolis and became the Minnesota Twins. During their existence in Washington from 1901-1960, the Senators were known for their futility, year in and year out competing with the old St Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles) for last place. Only three times did they go to the World Series, winning the whole thing only in 1924.

After the team left for Minnesota, a second version of the Senators came into being (1961-1971). They were just as bad as the old version. They moved to Dallas becoming the now-Texas Rangers.

So now, for the city of Washington, much like the Cubs three years ago, many of the demons have been put to rest. (Well, not all, but that’s a different topic having nothing to do with sports.)

And the old Griffith Stadium, where the first Seantors played? Long gone, it is now the site of the Howard University Hospital.

Final thought: I wonder what Bryce Harper is thinking.