January 24, 2020

D.C. United Analysis: First-quarter evaluation, part 4 – Forwards

May 15, 2014 by

Looking at the performance of D.C. United’s forwards is an exercise of examining extremes. On one hand, the one that United fans would rather focus on right now, there’s Fabian Espindola, the offseason acquisition who has four goals and three assists in nine matches. On the other, of course, is Eddie Johnson, the much more notable and expensive offseason acquisition, who has yet to score at all.

The overall performance of the position so far during United’s 4-3-2 start to the 2014 Major League Soccer season is somewhere in the middle. But it should be noted that Espindola already has more league goals this year than any United player had for all of the 2013 season. Espindola’s production (his three assists are tied with Nick DeLeon for the team lead), being involved somehow in seven of the 13 goals United has scored this season (not to mention involvement in scoring plays later counted as own goals), hasn’t necessarily masked Johnson’s struggles, but it has allowed United to succeed somewhat so far despite them. [Read more…]

Filed Under: United/MLS Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Washington Nationals Walk-Up Music 2014

April 7, 2014 by

**List updated 09/28/2014** (added two songs for Michael Taylor)
NEED: Cedeno, Treinen

It is a brand new season and we’re excited to hear which songs the Washington Nationals players have selected as their batting music. District Sports Page will do its best to keep up with them, however, invite fans to help us out. Please feel free to comment on this post or tweet to @cnichols14 when you hear a new song.

In case you missed previous season’s songs, you can check out the 2012 walk-up music here and 2013 walk-up music here. A few of the songs from last year are still being used early in 2014.

Ryan Zimmerman at bat - Washington Nationals Home Opener v. Atlanta Braves, 4/4/2014

Ryan Zimmerman at bat – Washington Nationals Home Opener v. Atlanta Braves, 4/4/2014

Fans love walk-up music. It is always a popular topic on Twitter, Facebook and discussion boards. Some players select music that gets them fired up, suits them perfectly or even pokes fun of themselves (i.e. Matt Stairs two years using Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was“). It can be a small window into the player’s personality.

There are superstitious players that change their music when they are slumping at the plate. And some have a handful of songs that are used in rotation.

Some players stick with the same song season after season and even years after leaving the Nationals or baseball all together, fans immediately think of that player every time they hear the song (i.e. Chad Cordero and Metallica’s “King Nothing“).

Former National Michael Morse (now with the San Francisco Giants), had the team’s most eclectic taste in his walk-up music, thanks in part to his brother helping select songs. His most popular song was “Take on Me” by A-ha, which has now become the “fans’ Natitude anthem” and is currently being used as the Nats 7th inning stretch song. The music is usually cut off before it gets to the high part of the chorus, so the fans finish it off! It started in 2010, but finally caught on and fans voices are even heard on TV. Join in next time you’re at the park.

Big news regarding the 7th inning stretch song! It appears that the Nats may have retired “Take on Me” as the 7th inning supplemental song after “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on May 17, 2014. Fans have reported that “Dancing in the Streets” by Martha & The Vandellas have [temporarily] replaced it. Unfortunately, there was a fan poll late in the season and “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks is now used. While I like this song, I personally don’t think it is an appropriate or fan-friendly song. It is a slow song and its about drinking. A new song needs to be selected ASAP!

While on the topic of music, the Nats have used “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC to take the field for several seasons. That has changed for 2014. The Nationals are now jogging out to their positions to “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” by Fall Out Boy. Personally, I wish the songs would remain the same because baseball is all about traditions and would like there to be a few traditions at Nationals Park.

All of the following songs have been confirmed through various sources including programs like Shazam, Soundhound, as well as players tweets, interviews, etc. We’ve included links to videos, however, remember that there is only a few seconds of the song used during the walk-up so it may sound different at the beginning at first. There is a lot of Natitude on the list!

Please help us keep list up to date and post additional songs that we may have missed in the comments.  Thank you! Enjoy!

Asdrubal Cabrera – Limbo by Daddy Yankee

Ian Desmond – One Sixteen by Trip Lee (feat. KB & Andy Mineo)
Ian Desmond – Sun is Shining (Smoke Out Dubstep Remix) by Bob Marley
Ian Desmond – My Conclusion by Stephen Marley Feat. Akon & Buju Banton
Ian Desmond – I Can’t Stop by Flux Pavilion
Ian Desmond – Warriors by Kymani Marley
Ian Desmond – I Believe by Soja Feat. Michael Franti, Nahko

Greg Dobbs – Show Me a Sign by Alter Bridge

Danny Espinosa – Outside by Staind
Danny Espinosa – Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Danny Espinosa – Sail by AWOLNATION

Kevin Frandsen – Snow (Hey Oh) by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Scott Hairston – Blue Sky by Common

Bryce Harper – Dark House by Katy Perry Feat. Juicy J
Bryce Harper – TaKillya by Vinnie Maniscalco
Bryce Harper – Flower by Moby
Bryce Harper – Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo Feat. 2 Chainz
Bryce Harper – Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
Bryce Harper – Tom Sawyer by Rush
Bryce Harper – The Joker by Steve Miller Band
Bryce Harper – Do My Thang by Miley Cyrus
Bryce Harper – In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Bryce Harper – Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
Bryce Harper – All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor

Jeff Kobernus – Like Whaaat by Problem featuring Bad Lucc (clean/radio version)

Adam LaRoche – The Only Way I Know by Jason Aldean and Eric Church
Adam LaRoche – That’s My Kind Of Night by Luke Bryan
Adam LaRoche – Take A Little Ride by Jason Aldean
Adam LaRoche – My Kinda Party by Jason Aldean

Sandy Leon – Watch Out For This [Bumaye; Daddy Yankee Remix] by Major Lazer

Jose Lobaton – Don’t Stop the Party by Pitbull
Jose Lobaton – Mi Chica Ideal by Chico & Nacho

Nate McLouth – Kyrie by Mr. Mister
Nate McLouth – Separate Ways (World Apart) by Journey

Tyler Moore – The Outsiders by Eric Church

Wilson Ramos – Wilson by Phish (Crowd chants at beginning of live performance) [History of song]
Wilson Ramos – Chucuchá by Ilegales

Anthony Rendon – No Competition by Bun B. Feat. Raekwon & Kobe
Anthony Rendon – Fire by Bun B Feat. Rick Ross & 2 Chainz & Serani

Nat Schierholtz – Wretches and Kings by Linkin Park

Steven Souza, Jr. - Take Me There by Trip Lee featuring Jimmy Needham

Denard Span – Gotta Have It by Kanye West and Jay Z
Denard Span – I’m Ready – The Diplomats
Denard Span – We Made It Freestyle by Drake Feat. Soulja Boy

Michael Taylor – Oceans Remix by Dream Junkies
Michael Taylor – The City by Da’ T.R.U.T.H Feat. B. Reith

Zach Walters – Let It Go (from Frozen) by Idina Menzel
Zach Walters – Do You Want To Build A Snowman (from Frozen)
Zach Walters – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (Theme Song) by Ennio Morricone

Jayson Werth – Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon
Jayson Werth – Warehouse by Dave Matthews Band
Jayson Werth – The Walking Dead Theme Song
Jayson Werth – Game of Thrones Theme Song
Jayson Werth – The Rains of Castamere from Game of Thrones (Season 4) – Metal Version

Ryan Zimmerman – This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
Ryan Zimmerman – The Downeaster Alexa by Billy Joel

PITCHERS:

Aaron Barrett – This Is What It Feels Like (W&w Radio Edit) by Armin van Buuren Feat. Trevor Guthrie
Aaron Barrett – Thunderstruck by AC/DC
Aaron Barrett – The Bear Song by Green Jelly

Jerry Blevins – Sympathy for the Devil by The Rolling Stones

Xavier Cedeno – NEED

Tyler Clippard – Ready or Not by The Fugees

Ross Detwiler – Wherever I May Roam by Metallica (pitching)

Doug Fister – All I Want by Tim McGraw

Gio Gonzalez – Trophies by Young Money & Drake (batting) [clean version]

Taylor Hill – Burning Heart by Survivor (pitching and batting)

Taylor Jordan – Collide by Skillet

Ryan Mattheus – Firework by Katy Perry

Tanner Roark – Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue
Tanner Roark – Stranglehold by Ted Nugent (batting)

Rafael Soriano – El Rey de Monticulo —”The King of the Mound” by Ediseuri Concepcion Mejia
 (Story behind song)

Craig Stammen – Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Drew Storen – When the Lights Go Out by The Black Keys

Stephen Strasburg – Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

Matt Thorton – Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

Blake Treinen – NEED

Jordan Zimmermann – Hell On Wheels by Brantley Gilbert (pitching)

 

Cheryl Nichols is a Columnist and Photographer for District Sports Page. She is credentialed to cover the Washington Capitals and has reported on the community service and fan events for Nats News Network and Caps News Network since 2006. Cheryl is an accomplished action photographer and has been published in The Washington Post and many other local media. She was a credentialed photographer for the 2010 season covering the Washington Nationals. You can follow her on Twitter @cnichols14.

Filed Under: Beyond the Game, Nats/MLB Tagged With: , , , , ,

Washington Mystics Announce 2014 Schedule

February 13, 2014 by

Mystics Press Release Logo

MYSTICS ANNOUNCE 2014 SCHEDULE

Washington, D.C. –The WNBA announced today that the Washington Mystics will tip off the 2014 season at home against the defending WNBA champions Minnesota Lynx on Friday, May 16, at 7 pm. It will be the eighth time in the franchise’s 17-year history that they will host their season opener at home.

Following their home opener, the Mystics will travel to Indiana to face the Fever on May 23 and will return home for contests against the Seattle Storm, New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks

“We have our work cut out for us, but I am excited to see what is in store and looking forward to getting started with training camp in April,” said head coach & general manager Mike Thibault. “We have a difficult start to the season with the last two league champions, first at home against the Lynx and then on the road at Indiana, and some very tough stretches of road games in the middle of the season, but I know our team will be up for the challenge.”

This year, the Mystics will hold two camp day games for local children’s camps and groups. The first one will be on Wednesday, July 23, at 11:30 am against the Connecticut Sun and another on Wednesday, Aug. 13, against the Chicago Sky at 11:30 am.

The team’s west coast swing will be in July with stops in Tulsa (July 12), Phoenix (July 15) and Los Angeles (July 17). The Mystics will play 12 of their 17 regular season homes games on the weekend. All weekday (with the exception of the camp days) and Saturday home games will tip off at 7:00 p.m. Sunday home games will start at 4:00 pm.

In 2013, Thibault led the Mystics back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season. He also became the WNBA’s winningest coach following the Mystics’ 62-59 win over the Seattle Storm on July 6 and earned WNBA Coach of the Year honors.

The WNBA’s Washington Mystics are owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The group also owns and operates the NBA’s Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals and Verizon Center – the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports & Entertainment also oversees the management of Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the state-of-the-art training facility for the Capitals, and George Mason University’s Patriot Center.

The following is a complete listing of the Mystics 2014 schedule. Home games are in BOLD. All times are listed as Eastern Daylight Time.

2014 Washington Mystics Schedule

DATE OPPONENT TIME TV

May Fri. 16 Minnesota 7:00 pm
Fri. 23 AT Indiana 7:00 pm
Sat. 24 Seattle 7:00 pm
Fri. 30 New York 7:00 pm
Jun. Sun. 1 Los Angeles 4:00 pm
Thu. 5 AT Connecticut 7:00 pm
Fri. 6 Indiana 7:00 pm
Sun. 8 AT New York 3:00 pm
Tue. 10 Phoenix 7:00 pm
Fri. 13 Chicago 7:00 pm
Sun. 15 Atlanta 4:00 pm
Wed. 18 AT Atlanta 12:00 pm
Fri. 20 AT Minnesota 7:00 pm
Sun. 22 AT Seattle 6:00 pm
Tue. 24 AT San Antonio 11:30 am
Fri. 27 Connecticut 7:00 pm
Sun. 29 San Antonio 4:00 pm
Jul. Wed. 2 Indiana 7:00 pm
Sat. 5 AT Atlanta 7:00 pm
Wed. 9 AT Chicago 11:30 am
Sat. 12 AT Tulsa 7:00 pm
Tue. 15 AT Phoenix 7:00 pm ESPN2
Thu. 17 AT Los Angeles 7:30 pm
Wed. 23 Connecticut 11:30 am
Fri. 25 Tulsa 7:00 pm
Sun. 27 Atlanta 4:00 pm
Tue. 29 AT New York 7:00 pm
Aug. Sun. 3 AT Chicago 5:00 pm
Tue. 5 New York 7:00 pm
Fri. 8 AT Indiana 7:00 pm
Sun. 10 AT Connecticut 1:00 pm
Wed. 13 Chicago 11:30 am
Fri. 15 AT Connecticut 7:00 pm
Sat. 16 New York 7:00 pm

Filed Under: Mystics/WNBA Tagged With: , , ,

NATS/P-NATS: Potomac Nationals 2014 Promotional Schedule

January 29, 2014 by
Source: Potomac Nationals home page

Source: Potomac Nationals home page

 

POTOMAC NATIONALS UNVEIL 2014 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
30th Anniversary of G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium to Feature
Most Entertaining Promo Slate in Franchise History

Woodbridge, VA—As the Potomac Nationals celebrate 30 seasons of baseball at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium during the 2014 campaign, the P-Nats’ faithful will be treated to the most entertaining promotional schedule in the history of the franchise.

The Potomac Nationals are pleased to unveil an extremely potent promo slate that is underscored by a club-record 18 fireworks shows, 15 premium giveaways including the Jayson Werth “Wolf-A-rine” and the Werth Bobble Beard, as well as P-Nats bobbleheads of former first round draft picks, Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon, five game used and autographed throwback jersey auctions, and a visit from the Cowboy Monkey Rodeo with Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard & Team Ghost Riders as seen on ESPN’s E:60 program.

The Cowboy Monkey Rodeo is an internationally recognized live animal entertainment act that features capuchin monkeys riding sheep dogs herding livestock. Lepard and Team Ghost Riders have performed at destinations around Minor League Baseball, and even at the home of the Super Bowl hopeful, Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

“We are extremely excited about the entertainment we are bringing to our fans this summer at The Pfitz. The fireworks, premium giveaways, celebrity appearances, and our stadium’s 30th anniversary tributes along with the always affordable ticket options and revamped concessions items will give everyone in the family a variety of reasons to be a part of P-Nats Baseball in 2014. Last season was the best in franchise history across the board, and we know this year will be even better. I can’t wait to see our fans on Opening Day come April 8th,” says Potomac Nationals Vice President/General Manager, Josh Olerud.

The quintet of throwback jerseys to be auctioned off will be replicas of uniform tops worn during the eras of the Prince William Pirates (1984-1986), Prince William Yankees (1987-1988), Prince William Cannons (1989-1998), Potomac Cannons (1999-2004), and the Potomac Nationals (2005-Present).

To highlight the bridge from The Pfitz to “The Show,” the club will be unveiling a Potomac Nationals Wall of Fame up the First Base Line along the Home Clubhouse to pay tribute to former P-Nats players who have graduated to the Washington Nationals.

In addition, a host of celebrity appearances featuring to be determined past and present stars from Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League are planned for the upcoming ‘14 slate.

The Potomac Nationals have confirmed these additional 2014 giveaway items:

-2014 and 2015 Magnet Schedules
-2013 P-Nats Player of the Year, Michael Taylor Jersey Pillow
-Bryce Harper P-Nats T-Shirt
-Poster Series featuring: Taylor Jordan (MLB Debut), Anthony Rendon (MLB Debut), Jayson Werth, Bryce Harper, and Ryan Zimmerman
-2014 Team Photo
-2014 Team Poster
-2014 Playoffs Rally Towels

Middle School Science Day with the Potomac Nationals is circled for Thursday, April 10th and first pitch is set for 10:35am.

The Nationals have also announced four Scout Nights in 2014 for area boy scouts to camp out on the Pfitzner Stadium diamond and enjoy a post-game screening of a baseball film while sleeping under the stars. Scout Nights will take place on Saturday, May 31st (6:35pm), Friday, June 13th (7:05pm), Saturday, July 26th (6:35pm), and Saturday, August 16th (6:35pm).

A pair of summer camp/day care games will be hosted on Wednesday, July 30th, and Thursday, August 7th with both contests beginning at 12:05pm.

Theme nights for the 2014 season include: Football Night, Hockey Night, Friday the 13th Night, Wing Fling, Man vs. Food II, Health and Wellness Night, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Food Truck Nights, Halfway to St. Patty’s Day, Bark in the Park Days, and many more!

Military Appreciation Night, a hallmark of the Potomac franchise, will honor the armed forces community in Northern Virginia on Sunday, June 22nd at 6:05pm.

The most exciting stretch of the 2014 season is Fourth of July Weekend from Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th. P-Nats fans will be able to purchase “Food, Fireworks, & Fun” loaded tickets that include a pre-game picnic pass, a reserved ticket, and the biggest fireworks blast-off of the season.

A pair of Community Nights will don the 2014 schedule in which corporate partners distribute banks of complimentary tickets to their customers. Community Nights at The Pfitz are scheduled for Thursday, June 12th (7:05pm) and Thursday, July 17th. (7:05pm)

Also, the P-Nats will be keeping the tradition of the annual Guns vs. Hoses Charity Softball Game where members of the Prince William County Police Department battle against an area fire and rescue department.

The P-Nats’ 2014 weekly promotional schedule looks like this…

DOLLAR MONDAYS:
$1 General Admission Tickets and $1 Hot Dogs

TWO-FOR-TUESDAYS:
2 Tickets, 2 Hot Dogs, & 2 Small Sodas for the Price of One

BELLYBUSTER WEDNESDAYS:
GA ticket with All-you-can-eat meal provided by local restaurants

THURSDAY CHEERS:
Discounted Drink Specials

PREMIUM GIVEAWAY FRIDAYS:
GIVEAWAYS! GIVEAWAYS! GIVEAWAYS!

FIREWORKS SATURDAYS:
FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS!

FAMILY SUNDAYS:
Pre-game Player Autograph Station, Kids Run the Bases, Catch on the Field, and Fireworks Shows in Second Half of Season

Second half fireworks shows on Sundays will return in 2014 with all Sunday games after the Carolina League All-Star Break beginning at 6:05pm and to be followed by a fireworks extravaganza.

Kids will have the opportunity to run the bases after every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday game during the 2014 season.

New for 2014, the always-popular, Tennis Ball Toss will be running after all 70 games where fans will be able to purchase tennis balls during the game to throw onto the field post-game in order to unlock prizes from corporate sponsors of the Potomac Nationals.

More information on the 2014 Potomac Nationals Promotional Schedule will be available soon including dates, times, and specifics for all promotions.

Opening Day 2014 at Pfitzner Stadium is Tuesday, April 8th as the Nationals host the Lynchburg Hillcats (Atlanta Braves). First pitch is set for 7:05pm.

For Potomac Nationals 2014 season tickets, mini plans, group tickets, picnic outings, and corporate partnerships, call the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office at 703-590-2311 or head to www.potomacnationals.com for more information.

The Potomac Nationals of the Carolina League play at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia, and are the Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. P-Nats 2014 season tickets and mini plans are now on sale. Sponsorship opportunities for the 2014 season and beyond are available. Plan your corporate outing now for the 2014 season to see the future stars of the Washington Nationals at The Pfitz as the P-Nats offer discounted group rates and all-inclusive picnic options. Visit the P-Nats online at www.potomacnationals.com or call the Potomac Nationals Ticket Office at 703-590-2311 for more information!

Filed Under: Beyond the Game Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Nationals 2014 Regular-Season Schedule Released

September 10, 2013 by

The Washington Nationals unveiled their 2014 regular season schedule Tuesday.

The Nats will open the season on the road at Citi Field against the New York Mets on Monday, March 31 at a time to be determined. They will have an off day on Tuesday, April 1, before completing the three-game series April 2-3.

The Nats’ first home series will be against the Atlanta Braves from Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6.

Interleague schedule highlights include a home matchup between Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels, April 21-23, and a Beltway Series at home, July 7 and July 8. Additionally, on the road, the team will face the Oakland Athletics, May 9-11, and the Seattle Mariners, Aug. 29-31.

The team will also host one 11-game home stand– April 17-27 – and one 10-game home stand – Aug. 15-24.

The full schedule is available online at nationals.com.

Filed Under: Nats/MLB Tagged With: , , , , ,
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