Washington DC is a Baseball Town

Baseball has found a new home in Washington, DC, and it's 15 minutes from my apartment (by bike).

Tonight, the Washington Nationals kicked off their season against the Atlanta Braves winning 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th. Ryan Zimmerman won they game by hitting a solo home run over center field. Here's what the Post says:

Nationals Park had quite an opening. Ryan Zimmerman hit a tiebreaking homer off Peter Moylan with two outs in the ninth inning, and the Washington Nationals beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 Sunday night in the first regular-season game at the $611 million stadium.

The brand spanking new stadium (that was built on schedule and within budget!) has a great view of the U.S. Capitol building. There were also the requisite fireworks, red carpet, U.S. President, and general hooplah. It was great. I highly recommend the kosher hot dogs.... very tasty.

Random question: Does anyone out there know why in the 9th inning people were turning their baseball hats inside out?

In Praise of the FDR Memorial

Given that it's cherry blossom season, more people than usual are probably milling around the FDR Memorial. It's by far my favorite monument/memorial. I have lots of good memories, from turning 18 (yes, that's where I was when the clock struck 12!) to sweet romantic dates to DC tours for friends and family. So I thought I'd note my 3 favorite FDR quotes from the memorial:

1) I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded...I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed...I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war.

2) In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice...the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man.

3) Freedom of speech
Freedom of worship
Freedom from want
Freedom from fear

Slow Start to the Season for the Policy Punishers

The Policy Punishers lost 0-5 today to a bunch of younger, faster, and fitter undergrads called the "The Sloths". Clearly misnomered, the Sloths were very not sloth-like. Two goals were scored against Eva and Matt in the first half. Three goals were scored against Eva in the second half.

Despite having more than 10 people registered for the team, only five people showed up forcing Kyle to recruit a good-natured freshman from a nearby treadmill. She was a really good sport and played excellent defense and offense for all 40 minutes. Thanks to Kyle's skillful recruiting, the Policy Punishers only had to play down for the first couple of minutes of the first half.

The final score doesn't reflect some of the outstanding efforts by the Policy Punishers. Steve used his excellent ball control skills to weave in and out of the Sloths leaving them paralyzed and helpless. Kyle showed that not all midwesterners are nice and played very aggressively. He even got called for roughing up his opponent. Matt had several fantastic shots on goal. And last but not least Tom ran himself ragged. He left the court promising that next time we are going to score.

I didn't do much on the field, but managed to talk quite a bit. It's an old habit from outdoor soccer where at least no one can hear you....

The Policy Punishers are the TSPPPA's four on four intramural soccer team. Games are 40 minutes long with a 5 minute half. The usual indoor soccer rules apply: keep the ball below the windows; goalies can use their hands inside the key; and, two women from each team must be on the court at all times.

Next game is Sunday April 6 @ 2:30.

DC is the city of races... foot races that is

I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one up early this morning. Not that I came anywhere close to 4am. I was up at a much more reasonable hour this morning to cheer on my friend who was participating the National Marathon.

Lucky for me, cheering her on meant rolling out of bed and crossing the street.
The National Marathon course loops in and around Capitol Hill (also known for its politicians and green market). Here's a map (courtesy of the Washington Post):



If marathoning is your sport, you should start planning now to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon that happens in the fall. It's insanely popular. Or if you like shorter races, other events are the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and the Army 10 Miler. For more information, the Washington Running Report has a good calendar.