Running for president: The Nats hold mascot tryouts

By Megan Cloherty
December 16, 2019 | 3:16 AM

“I’m nervous. I don’t know, it’s a big deal,” exclaimed Jane. “I mascotted in college a little bit and I’d love to be a part of a World Series team,” she said.

None of the candidates could share their last names, or if they have been a mascot for the Washington Nationals before, which is a rule of the role. So is being able to run with a wobbly large foam head on your shoulders, which caused many to lose their balance and bite the baseline dust.

“With all the weight on the top where the head is, it does make it a lot harder to run than you would normally think,” said Aiden from Bethesda who ran as Abe Lincoln.

Racing Presidents who hope to don the 12-foot high costumes have been selected from a pool of applicants who previously submitted their cover letter and resume to the team. After their physical tryout, they have to pass an in-person interview. Only about half will make the final cut, said Tom Davis, director of entertainment for the team.

“We’re looking for the people that can impress us and the best of the best, not to be cliché,” said Davis.

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On a cold December day, 44 of the Washington Nationals’ biggest fans, filed onto the field at the Nats’ Youth Baseball Academy for a chance to run to become a “Racing President.”

Candidates looking to fill the shoes of George, Tom, Abe, and Teddy had to run a 40-yard dash, race halfway around the outfield and back and wow the judges with their freestyle dance moves.

WATCH: Nats celebrate World Series with parade ahead of Spring Training opener in Florida

By Dan Friedell
February 21, 2020 | 7:45 AM

The Washington Nationals showed off their trophy from winning the 2019 World Series in front of their local fans in South Florida during a parade on Thursday, February 20. Spring Training kicked off recently, and the first preseason game is Saturday, February 22, against the Houston Astros, the team they defeated in the World Series. Before the parade started, Michael A. Taylor and Sean Doolittle mingled with fans, some of whom were wearing hats supporting the local Miami Marlins. However, the West Palm Beach fans showed their support, as players like Kurt Suzuki, Trea Turner and Howie Kendrick rode in cars and buses through the main streets of Clemantis.

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