Take me out to the Ball Game!

Everyone has come to know and love our city’s Washington Nationals, but they weren’t always the first team in town.

pitchers in baseball history. They won the World Series in 1924, during their 60-year tenure in Washington, before being moved to Minnesota in 1961 and becoming the Minnesota Twins.

1891–1899: First known as the “Washington Statesmen,” and became the “Senators” in 1892 after moving to the National League. In 1899 the team was eliminated after the National League downsized from twelve to eight teams.

1901–1960: The next incarnation of the Washington Senators came just a year later as one of the American League’s eight charter franchises. After spending the first decade of their existence finishing near the bottom of the standings, the team improved dramatically over the course of the next two decades, with pitcher Walter Johnson becoming one of the greatest

1961–1971: New doesn’t mean better – the next installment of the Washington Senators lost an average of 90 games a season. After several ownership changes over the years, owner Bob Short issued an ultimatum for someone to buy the team for twelve million dollars or he would relocate the team. After fielding multiple offers, the franchise was moved to Arlington, Texas where they are now known as the Texas Rangers.

2005–Present: DC went without baseball for 33 years until the relocation of the National League’s Montreal Expos, who then became known officially as the Washington Nationals and is the franchise you see at Nat’s Stadium today!

Talk like a Pro

Learn these terms so you can sound like an expert at your next baseball game:

"Can of Corn"

A pop fly that makes for an easy catch

"Frozen Rope"

A very hard-hit line drive

"Golden Sombrero"

A player's struck out four times in a game

"Meatball"

A easily hittable pitch

"Hot Corner"

Third base

"Yakker"

A really good curveball

What's in a name?

The Washington franchise was known as both “Senators” and “Nationals” interchangeably throughout their history. In 1905 the team changed its official name to the Washington Nationals. However, fans and media persisted with the old “Senators” nickname and over time “Nationals” faded and “Senators” became dominant, with the team switching its official name back to the Washington Senators in 1956.

Getting there

Fans coming to Nationals Park can take the Green Line to the Navy Yard station or the Orange, Blue, or Silver Line to the Capitol South station. The Navy Yard station is just a block away, and Capitol South station is a 15-minute walk away.

If you’re staying in VA, consider the water taxi! Potomac Riverboat Company offers water taxi service from Old Town to Diamond Teague Park Pier, located directly across from Nationals Park.

DID YOU KNOW?

The lifespan of a major league baseball is 5-7 pitches. Approximately 70 balls are used during a typical game.