NatsU has been indefinitely postponed due to the day/night doubleheader with the Braves caused by a previous rainout. Those who already bought tickets will be automatically refunded. No ETA on a makeup date is available at this time. Bummer!

Wow, look, a Baseball 101 photo from RFK days! (Last year’s Nats U at Nats Park)

Anyway, Nats U is returning again for the annual day women get to take to the field, bullpen and batting cages for a day of instruction and fun. It starts at 10 AM on July 21st and again begins with breakfast. Included in the two price level cost is a ticket to the game (Scoreboard $50 or PNC Diamond Club $150) that night and the postgame concert by the Wallflowers (yay!). The $50 ticket also includes a $10 concession voucher.

Other perks should be forthcoming, such as getting to watch BP from behind the dugout and a happy hour (and now I see the ticket page has been updated with that information as I hit publish…). I guarantee the day is a blast and worth it.

Tickets can be purchased now at nationals.com/natsu

The more fans who RSVP, the better the seat upgrade. I say we overwhelm them and end up in the Prez Club. What say you?

The Nats will reward fans who arrive early with prizes and offer additional pre-game games and activities.

So if you aren’t already following @Nationals, do so now to stay tuned.

I had no idea what to expect, but am very relieved to report no wardrobe malfunctions occurred! Part of the Dream Foundation package was field passes and watching the game from the Presidents Club, which in itself is pretty darn awesome. While on the field, we had our photo taken with second baseman, Danny Espinosa (who I complimented, but fear jinxed since he didn’t hit too well that game). Then we wined and dined and made it to our seats for the start of the game. I only had one glass to try to help how nervous I was getting. I didn’t want to run to the wrong base or something with more. I also had learned my run would be timed and even if I didn’t make it in the allotted 30 seconds, I’d still get to keep the base, of course.

Wait! 30 seconds?! Have you seen how far it is from the center field wall to 2nd base?! I thought ok, maybe I can do it since I’ll be empty handed on my sprint out.

Wrong! I was escorted through the “bowels” of Nats Park past the bullpen (which had a garage-style door rolled up and I could see into) “Ooh, can I stop and snap a photo?!” (no, no time) to the holding pen where the racing presidents enter the field in the middle of the 4th. I spotted a shiny clean base on the floor up against the wall. Uh oh, what’s that for? All the better to run with, my dear! As I would learn later.

Let me tell you, you cannot see a thing from behind the outfield wall. I had no idea what inning it was, how many outs there were — nothing! You can’t even see the jumbotron. Once I gathered it was the top of the 3rd, every time the crowd cheered, I guessed another out was made (although, even that is hard to gauge given how many visiting fans come to Nats Park). Entertainment director Tom Davis joined us and confirmed each out and I was relieved to hear they upped the time to 45 seconds. The PA guy asked via walkie-talkie, “What if she doesn’t make it in 45 seconds? What do I say?” and Tom replied, “she’ll make it.” showing more confidence than I was feeling in myself as a very sporadic and admittedly lazy runner (but former — very former triathlete).

“One more out, get ready!” Davis announced. He, two Nat Pack girls and I huddled behind the hidden door in the outfield wall and I mentally entered “the zone”, tuning out almost everything else except my single focus on when I was told to “go” and the base oh so far away in front of me and the heavier-than-it-looks awkward clean one in my arms (I’ve been told they weigh just over 14 pounds, plus have a pole sticking out the bottom). I heard the PA announcer, but didn’t really pay attention to what he was saying. Once I was told to go, I tried to take off like a shot (and ever so gracefully nearly tripped) and then my focus was entirely singular, except for one thing…

YOU NATSTOWN!! I heard you! The cheers penetrated my “zone” and fueled me on. I wondered if the players are unable to tune out the cheering as well and if we cheered more as a whole, would the team fare better? Well that thought flitted through my mind briefly with what little thought I was able to have, anyway. Oh, this distance is pretty far…. Almost there… Wonder how much time is left? Glad I pulled those hanger straps off my shirt so they don’t flop out… Turn around… 17 seconds left. I can make it… Whoa, those cameras sure can do a close-up (as I peeked at the jumbotron)! Thank goodness holding this base covers my belly….

I admit, I slowed up as I neared the finish line since I could clearly see how much time was left on the scoreboard and knew I’d make it. Whew! Was I faster than a speeding Coffey? That was my main goal!

So thank you NatsTown for the energetic cheering and support! Loved it! Also, apparently I was a guinea pig and the organization would like to do more of these. So stay tuned on how you too may possibly be able to run on the field during a game without getting tackled or tazed by security. For now, I have the glowing feeling of being the first non-employee to ever run on the field at Nats Park during a game with permission. Kinda cool.

On the way back, I did get that shot of the bullpen from the tunnel, and bullpen coach Jim Lett gave me a thumbs up and said, “nice running, Cathy!” Awesome sauce.

Many thanks to the Dream Foundation and especially Vera, who coordinated this for us, Danny Espinosa for being so nice, and my husband who I know really wanted to be the one who ran on the field but let me do it instead. And hey, the game was the first of a 3-game winning streak for the Nats. Coincidence? I think not!

Stealing 2nd: Wait? I have to run out with a base too?!

Stealing 2nd: Can’t see a thing waiting for 3rd out

Stealing 2nd: Waving to the crowd (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: Here we go! (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: Faster than a speeding Coffey (but getting pooped)

Stealing 2nd: Smiling! No security tackle so far!

Stealing 2nd: Waving to the crowd before I begin

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: Dropping new base about to pull up used base

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: Here we go part 2!

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd:

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: I heard you NatsTown! Your cheering was awesome! (Courtesy of Cheryl Nichols)

Stealing 2nd: Success!

Stealing 2nd: Passing bullpen on return to seats, coach Jim Lett gives me a thumbs up

 

May I say, I have a pretty good pitching arm! My hitting, however, not so much. Pat Corrales chided me for imitating Michael Morse’s pre-batting leg kick since I completely whiffed my bat over the ball after doing it. “Do your own thing that you’re comfortable with.” My next one, sans the batting-stance-girl imitation, was a solid line drive.

I’ve heard they’re showing a highlight video of the event on the scoreboard occasionally between innings. Well, ok, I’ve heard they showed it once. I sure hope they show it again since I wasn’t at that game!

Nats U 2011: Mimosas and breakfast before taking the field

Nats U 2011: Heading down to the field after breakfast

Nats U 2011: Partial group photo (thankfully taken before we get all sweaty!)

Nats U 2011: Partial group photo (thankfully taken before we get all sweaty!)

Nats U 2011: Partial group photo (thankfully taken before we get all sweaty!)

Nats U 2011: Coaches introduced

Nats U 2011: Coaches introduced

Nats U 2011: Coaches introduced (pitching coach Steve McCatty)

Nats U 2011: Coaches introduced (bullpen coach Lett)

Nats U 2011: Coaches introduced (3B coach Bo Porter)

Nats U 2011: Coaches introduced (bench coach Pat Corrales)

Nats U 2011: Trainer Mike McGowan comes on field to warm up the ladies

Nats U 2011: Warming up

Nats U 2011: For Jenn

Nats U 2011: McCatty gives instruction in the bullpen – first station we hit

Nats U 2011: In the bullpen

Nats U 2011: Fielding and throwing drills on the field

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: Amanda eyes the shortness of the tee

Nats U 2011: Pat Corrales gives Amanda personal instruction

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: Batting practice

Nats U 2011: This gets me every time – painted on tunnel to dugout’s wall

Nats U 2011:

Nats U 2011: Speaker panel after field – Adam Cromie

Nats U 2011: Speaker panel after field – Bo Porter with Joanna from Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference

 

During the Dream Gala live auction, I was busy chit chatting while my husband actually bid on something. I wasn’t even paying attention. Normally, live auction items get so expensive that we end up priced out of the cool stuff. Although, I’m a shark when it comes to the silent auction tables.

Anyway, surprisingly, he won a “Stealing Second Base” experience and it will come to fruition tomorrow night. We get to wine and dine in the Presidents Club. Then before the top of the 4th inning, we will go out on the field with the grounds crew and walk away with the removed 2nd base, which will later by autographed by (upcoming rookie of the year!) second baseman Danny Espinosa. Suh-weet!

Ok, so maybe the base won’t be stolen as in a theft. And maybe we won’t be running from first to second during game action. But still… it’s fun and I’m super excited.

However, as Mr. Chatter has been arranging this, during the last phone call he was informed they’re going to make a *big deal* about it on the field and now I’m a little embarrassed/terrified. So uh, I guess if you’re at the game tomorrow, watch for us on the scoreboard or something? I’ll give my best Miss Iowa wave to the crowd. But now I think I have to dress especially cool for this. Beast mode shirt? Generic jersey? Evening gown? (Ha, kidding on that one!). Help?

I’ve always been a promoter and advocate of the Nationals charitable and community involvement efforts. I guess I’ll just try to view this as another step in that direction.

And woo! Think of the photos I’ll get from the prez club!

It’s the date I look forward to every year, Nats U for women (formerly Baseball 101) at Nationals Park! This year’s event will take place this Saturday, July 9th, at 10 AM and includes a ticket for the Nats vs. Rockies game that night. There are two ticket options this year – $50 for outfield reserved seating for the game or $150 for an upgrade to the PNC Diamond Club (includes food and draft beer/ house wine).

Women get on-field, in-bullpen and in-batting cage instruction from Nats coaches for a couple hours. No matter your skill level, there is something for everyone! Best of all, the event provides and exclusive opportunity to test your baseball skills on the MLB field itself. Prior to the evening’s game, there will be a Nats U happy hour as well.

Even better, the date is the same as the HEIST at Nationals Park, so some baseball Twitter friends from the New York area will be joining in the fun! Can’t wait! See you there?

Purchase Tickets Here

Thursday night, Ryan Zimmerman held his ziMS Foundation’s second annual “Night At The Park” at Nationals Park. The event is held to raise money for multiple sclerosis treatment and research, among other programs designed to benefit those afflicted and affected by the disease. As you probably know, Ryan’s mother has MS and it has long been a fact in their family. Through family members and volunteers, Zimmerman’s ziMS Foundation really seems to be taking off toward its mission, which obviously is ongoing until a cure is found.

Many of those helping put on Thursday night’s program have a personal connection to MS as well, such as the “Batting Stance Guy” who emceed the program and country singer Rodney Atkins, performing a concert in front of the Presidents Club following the live auction. Many players were in attendance showing support for Zim’s cause and even bid on silent and live auction items, but there was no sprinting to the stage by Coffey to claim his prize.

The reason Little Chat had the privilege of apprenticeship? We attended last year’s inaugural Night At The Park and won a live auction for a child to spend a day with him and Ryan Zimmerman. As luck would have it, we worked a little magic to match up Blaine and the apprenticeship during the 2nd annual event. I couldn’t have been prouder of my boy, and I’m sure it was an experience to remember for a lifetime. Hopefully our donation helped add a little spark to someone’s life affected by MS as well. That’s what the event was all about, after all.

ziMS Night At The Park: Little Chatter poses with a cute girl (I think this is Zim’s girlfriend?)

ziMS Night At The Park: Little Chatter served as David Blaine’s apprentice all evening for the ziMS benefit. Too cool.

ziMS Night At The Park: Ryan Zimmerman welcomes country singer Rodney Atkins

ziMS Night At The Park: Batting Stance Guy demonstrates Michael Morse’s batter’s box prep kick. Morse witnessed it. Good stuff!

ziMS Night At The Park: A crowd surrounded Blaine and Little Chat everywhere they went

ziMS Night At The Park: Other players (Drew Storen here) mingled with guests and a large array of silent auction items were available

ziMS Night At The Park: Other players mingled with guests and a large array of silent auction items were available

ziMS Night At The Park: Ryan Zimmerman talks to guests

ziMS Night At The Park: Michael Morse getting some iPhone photos or video of David Blaine in the throng

ziMS Night At The Park: Little Chat has no idea those are Nationals players standing behind him (Burnett, Zimmermann, Morse)

ziMS Night At The Park: Jayson Werth shows his support for ziMS and seems to be having a good time in the crowd surrounding Blaine

ziMS Night At The Park: Jayson Werth shows his support for ziMS and seems to be having a good time in the crowd surrounding Blaine (that’s Little Chat’s head)

ziMS Night At The Park: Zimmerman appears bemused by Blaine’s latest trick

ziMS Night At The Park: Little Chat’s lessons continue in the President’s Club. He’s examining a bent quarter

ziMS Night At The Park: LIttle Chat gets to practice his newly learned magic skills on Ryan Zimmerman’s dad Keith.

ziMS Night At The Park: Ice sculpture

ziMS Night At The Park: Little Chat practicing on more people

ziMS Night At The Park: Little Chat is quite proud of himself!

 

Pertinent details:

Thursday, June 16, 2011 beginning at 4:30 PM for Happy Hour and then the game vs. STL Cardinals at 7 PM, or you can buy a ticket for the game only. Same goes for the Thursday, August 18th game against the Cincinnati Reds.

***Location Change: 1st Street Plaza Party Area
Entrance is located off 1st street, at the corner of 1st and Potomac Streets

Now featuring:

· Music and Entertainment from DJ Chris Styles
· 12 ounce samples from Miller Lite and Twisted Tea
· Flippin’ Pizza, mini cupcakes and ballpark snacks
· Massages, manicures and spa services
· Lush Cosmetics
· Player Appearances
· Exclusive Ladies Night gift
· And much more!

Get your tickets at nationals.com/ladiesnight See you there!