UPDATE for Blogger's Night

[CALSGR8]

His daughter is engaged. I think her fiance is a pretty good guy.

Great!  Then he doesn't have to worry about it!  Congrats to the happy couple!

[The Chief]

Sounds like it was a pretty great time, I'm sorry I didn't make it!

[Nat of the Living Dead]

Finally got ONE whole pic to upload on dial-up. Here it is as well as the corresponding blog post I put on the NQ. More pics to come later.

Pardon the amount of time it has taken me to post this. I am currently using dial-up on a farm in Charlottesville, VA. That’s right, I said a farm. It sucks because the picture above took over an hour and a half to upload. I thought only the Amish used dial-up anymore.

Before last night’s game against the Braves, the Nationals hosted Blogger’s Night in Conference Room #4 at Nationals Park. Only a select number of Nats Bloggers and Message Board addicts were invited to meet and greet each other and pitcher Collin Balester, who we affectionately call the “Lawnmower Man” around the NQ due to his uncanny resemblance to Jeff Fahey in the movie of the same name.

Shockingly, only two blogs were represented at the event: Nationals Pride and everyone’s favorite: Nationals Inquisition. High five, NP. Represent! The other attendees included a score of Nats Message Board personalities and lurkers from the Washington Nationals Fan Forum (WNFF) and the MLB Nationals Message Board. Names like Tomterp, Minty Fresh, Kimnat, Zingerman, just to name a few, might sound familiar to those who get their kicks on the boards.

Balester arrived in full uniform and also brought special guest Nats TV man, Bob Carpenter. Carpenter gave a nice state of the team, state of Balester speech and helped move things along. I never had much to say about Carpenter’s work before, but the guy can say some pretty words and asks the proper questions. A nice complement to Balester’s shy, nice guy personality.

Balester seems like the type of guy you want to play video games and eat hot wings with. He talked a little about himself and how he grew up, with his father shaping surfboards, and how his old man was hoping he would become a professional surfer rather than a professional ballplayer. He also confessed his desire to beat the Dodgers this past week:

    “Oh that felt real good. I really wanted to beat them. I hate the Dodgers –I grew up an Angels fan.”

I love this guy. Pure honesty. Balester then used a baseball to demonstrate how he throws certain pitches and how certain pitches work, which was a real treat for everyone there. He then posed for pictures and signed autographs. The NQ got a Nationals pennant and a Balester Columbus Clipper card signed. Balester was then presented with a crystal Blogger’s Night trophy as thanks.

Overall, it was a nice, quiet event with little to no ceremony. It was just pleasant, as if old friends were visiting each other. The Nationals really need to look into possibly expanding this event and getting more bloggers involved in the future. The Natosphere is a valuable resource they need to connect with.

And I won’t lie: The NQ enjoys perks like these.

The NQ would like to thank Spin Man, Collin Balester, Bob Carpenter, and the Nationals for making this event happen. Also props to Kimnat, Mathguy, and the usual bunch of outstanding hooligans that helped keep this thing organized. Finally, a late shoutout to Andrea Baker for taking some Balester shots that the NQ has featured on the site in the past.

[Minty Fresh]

Mathguy and 2IPA's were also there, along with Zingerman and DaveBinMd from the MLB board.  There were a few other guys there that didn't really mingle much, Cascada perhaps?   

I hear Cascada2 was there!   

[Minty Fresh]

Hey!!  Where/who was Minty and HOW THE HECK DID I MISS HIM?????????  DANG IT!!!!!!!!!

I was the guy who came in uncomfortably late - wearing the #42 Nats road jersey (will be again tonight).

My brother's buddy totally screwed the pooch on the whole weekend so I was left scrambling for tickets on Craigslist.  Then there was a huge accident on I-95 so I had to improv and Metro in from Silver Spring.  It was frustrating.  Then, my brother didn't show up with tickets until the third inning.  Eventually, I just broke down and bought a cheap ticket just to get into the park so I could show up.

Then, I couldn't find the conference rooms. 

What can I say?  I'm dumb.

But the event was cool and the game was even better.

[saltydad]

But we had good seats by the bullpen, and the suds were quaffed in style It was a treat to finally meet the Albany NY contingent of WNFF!

[PANatsFan]

I had a Great Time and so did my friend.

Met up with Tom Terp, Blue, Salty, 2ips and Mathguy waiting to get in.  OOPS, forgot to mention Tom's daughter.  Does she have a screen name yet Tom (maybe Terpett, like Smurfet, only a young Terps fan)?  Maybe until she gets older, SMALLFRY (loves French Fries).    Hey, SHE may have an idea how she wants to be referred to!  Kim's older of the 2 girls were there momentarily before going of to hang with Grampa! 

It was nice meeting NOTLD and others.

Meeting Collin was Great!  Only after the game I realized something.  NO AUTOGRAPH BY COLLIN.  I had lent my pen to someone to get Collin's autograph.  Got it back.  Then pictures were taken, so my friend and I had pic taken with Collin and then Collin left.  I got Bob's autograph, but not Collin's!  I'll try to get the picture developed and send it to him care of the team.  Maybe he'll sign it.

There was a picture taken of the bloggers who were left to take a picture of!  I want a copy!

Great fun!

You could send him a letter, explain the situation. - I bet he'll send you an autograph.

[tomterp]

You could send him a letter, explain the situation. - I bet he'll send you an autograph.

Or maybe even a souvenior?          

[kimnat]

I was the guy who came in uncomfortably late - wearing the #42 Nats road jersey (will be again tonight).

OHHHHH!!!!  I was the gal who looked you straight in the eye and smiled when you walked in!!  Yay!!

[kimnat]

Finally got ONE whole pic to upload on dial-up. Here it is as well as the corresponding blog post I put on the NQ. More pics to come later.

What a great writeup!  I'm so glad you had a good time.  Incidently, the Nats didn't set it up/host it much at all.  Spinman and I worked super close with them to arrange this.  HOWEVER, if they are listening....it would be a great idea for them to offer events like this, perks for the real die-hard fans, those of us who really talk about and follow the team and those of you, in particular, who blog about the team.  I'll mention it to their Communications folks and "offer my services" in planning said events.   Lord knows I could use a little extra green!   

Right now, the fatigue from the past few days has fully set in!  I haven't been sleeping well (finally shutting eye around 4 a.m. for a couple days in a row) and had a fun late night at the ballpark last night and a fun, but busy day doing a birthday pool party for TFS (now a huge 9 yo - 4'11" and 80 lbs!) & Brainiac child (Elisa, now 7, who can freakishly accomplish/master everything she attempts!).  The little Tinkerbell girl will have to wait 2 more months for her 6th bday!

[Nat of the Living Dead]

What a great writeup!  I'm so glad you had a good time.  Incidently, the Nats didn't set it up/host it much at all.  Spinman and I worked super close with them to arrange this.  HOWEVER, if they are listening....it would be a great idea for them to offer events like this, perks for the real die-hard fans, those of us who really talk about and follow the team and those of you, in particular, who blog about the team.  I'll mention it to their Communications folks and "offer my services" in planning said events.   Lord knows I could use a little extra green!   

Right now, the fatigue from the past few days has fully set in!  I haven't been sleeping well (finally shutting eye around 4 a.m. for a couple days in a row) and had a fun late night at the ballpark last night and a fun, but busy day doing a birthday pool party for TFS (now a huge 9 yo - 4'11" and 80 lbs!) & Brainiac child (Elisa, now 7, who can freakishly accomplish/master everything she attempts!).  The little Tinkerbell girl will have to wait 2 more months for her 6th bday!

Noted. I just thank the Nats because they could of easily told Balester he couldn't do it. I know where the majority of thanks should go to.

EDIT: I am leaving the farm around 1pm today for the five hour drive back to NC. If I can, I will try to post some pics tonight. If not, definitely tomorrow.

[Nat of the Living Dead]

You could send him a letter, explain the situation. - I bet he'll send you an autograph.

I was told that Don Mattingly does this during ST. While I was in Dodgertown one of the people working there explained that if you sent something like a card or photo and a self-addressed, stamped, return envelope and a letter explaining what you want, Mattingly would autograph it and send it back. You just have to do it during ST, send it to their Spring Training Facility, in care of Don Mattingly.

I haven't tried it myself, but I am tempted considering my wife is one of the biggest Mattingly fans in the world.

[tomterp]

HOWEVER, if they are listening....it would be a great idea for them to offer events like this, perks for the real die-hard fans, those of us who really talk about and follow the team and those of you, in particular, who blog about the team. 

I was giving this a lot of thought since the event as well.  If I were running the Nats, I'd throw at least the occasional bone to the MLB forum posters as well as those posting in unofficial blogs, in order to nurture the very core of their fan base.  They seem instead more focused on the corporate fat cat market, which is partially understandable, but it doesn't mean they can't also do things to connect with their most ardent fans - us.

[Nat of the Living Dead]

I was giving this a lot of thought since the event as well.  If I were running the Nats, I'd throw at least the occasional bone to the MLB forum posters as well as those posting in unofficial blogs, in order to nurture the very core of their fan base.  They seem instead more focused on the corporate fat cat market, which is partially understandable, but it doesn't mean they can't also do things to connect with their most ardent fans - us.

It has always been said that when it comes to blogs, the Nationals surprisingly have high representation in cyberspace.

[The Chief]

Natslandia uber alles

[kimnat]

I was giving this a lot of thought since the event as well.  If I were running the Nats, I'd throw at least the occasional bone to the MLB forum posters as well as those posting in unofficial blogs, in order to nurture the very core of their fan base.  They seem instead more focused on the corporate fat cat market, which is partially understandable, but it doesn't mean they can't also do things to connect with their most ardent fans - us.

Corporate fat cats bring in periodic large infusions of cash, whereas the real fans bring in a steady flow of the green stuff.  They really need to market more to the real fans and less to the big kahunas.

Oh and NOTLD, I wasn't fishing for any recognition.  Just wanted to set the record straight on exactly what the Nats did.  Yes, they coulda limited what Collin did.  But I got ahold of Bob and asked him to come, he doesn't answer to the Nats, that's MASN's role.  And btw, he told me that anytime we want him to come do something like that to just ask him.    to such a "nice guy".

[tomterp]

But I got ahold of Bob and asked him to come, he doesn't answer to the Nats, that's MASN's role.  And btw, he told me that anytime we want him to come do something like that to just ask him.    to such a "nice guy".

Great job Kim, it was very helpful to have Bob there. 

[Spinman]

Collin, My daughter and Me, Spinman, had a great time at the Bloggers event. For those of you who didn't get an autograph send what you want signed to the Nationals with Collin Balester on it and they get mail everyday. Put in a self addressed stamped envelope and Collin will sign and send it to you. Photos, cards, whatever.

After Collin's game on Sunday we got to tour the clubhouse , went on the field, went to the bullpen where Steven Shell told us how many pitches they throw to warm up ( 17) and how many pitches he gets when warming up in the game. ( What a priviledge.  If he knows he's going in the next inning he will throw one pitch for every two that is thrown in the game. I wondered how many pitches it took to get warmed up.

 It was outstanding.  
 It was amazing walking down the tunnel then directly from the dugout and onto the field. Collin pointed up at the seats where he always looks up to see us when we get to the game. That was cool . You can really see where we were setting from the pitchers mound.

 Got to take pics by Collin's locker and by Shell's too.
 That Steven Shell is  really funny and a nice guy!!   He can really pitch.!! He is a huge bright spot to this season.
I wanted to personally thank Kimnat for all she did for me on the event. She is awesome!! Thanks Kim!!!
 I also was so proud to have you, the real Nationals fans, showing up and making Collin feel so welcome.  Not only does he have a few more fans , but he is a Fan of yours. Just like Bob Carpetnter said, Bob couldn't believe he was in the same room as the infamous.... TOMTERP!!   LOL   Bob Carpenter reads the blogs too..
 Thanks again everybody for everything!!
 Spinman

[Spinman]

Don't know how the smiley got in there but they get 8 pitches once they get to the field of play to warm up.

[tomterp]

Just like Bob Carpetnter said, Bob couldn't believe he was in the same room as the infamous.... TOMTERP!!   LOL   Bob Carpenter reads the blogs too..
 

                           

[tomterp]

By the way, I tried to post a couple of the pictures that Spinman sent me, including a group photo, but I couldn't get it to work, even though the file size was below the stated minimum.  I'm going to try again, perhaps after reducing the file size or making other adjustment.

[PANatsFan]

Collin, My daughter and Me, Spinman, had a great time at the Bloggers event. For those of you who didn't get an autograph send what you want signed to the Nationals with Collin Balester on it and they get mail everyday. Put in a self addressed stamped envelope and Collin will sign and send it to you. Photos, cards, whatever.

After Collin's game on Sunday we got to tour the clubhouse , went on the field, went to the bullpen where Steven Shell told us how many pitches they throw to warm up ( 17) and how many pitches he gets when warming up in the game. ( What a priviledge.  If he knows he's going in the next inning he will throw one pitch for every two that is thrown in the game. I wondered how many pitches it took to get warmed up.

 It was outstanding.  
 It was amazing walking down the tunnel then directly from the dugout and onto the field. Collin pointed up at the seats where he always looks up to see us when we get to the game. That was cool . You can really see where we were setting from the pitchers mound.

 Got to take pics by Collin's locker and by Shell's too.
 That Steven Shell is  really funny and a nice guy!!   He can really pitch.!! He is a huge bright spot to this season.
I wanted to personally thank Kimnat for all she did for me on the event. She is awesome!! Thanks Kim!!!
 I also was so proud to have you, the real Nationals fans, showing up and making Collin feel so welcome.  Not only does he have a few more fans , but he is a Fan of yours. Just like Bob Carpetnter said, Bob couldn't believe he was in the same room as the infamous.... TOMTERP!!   LOL   Bob Carpenter reads the blogs too..
 Thanks again everybody for everything!!
 Spinman

Collin and Shell have some big time fans here. Thanks for contributing here!

[Spinman]

Those two guys ( Balester and Shell) are just plain old genuine guys who happened to be blessed in throwing a baseball. These are the kind of "Quality" players that our Management are finding. In a few years when we are playing in the World Series , like the Rays will be this year, we will thank the management for their hard work in picking guys like these . Lannan , Langerhans, Casto, and others are to be included on that list the list too. Kearns is a great guy too and will do just fine next year.
 Believe me, these young Guns want to WIN!!!   For the Nats fans!!!!

[PANatsFan]

Those two guys ( Balester and Shell) are just plain old genuine guys who happened to be blessed in throwing a baseball. These are the kind of "Quality" players that our Management are finding. In a few years when we are playing in the World Series , like the Rays will be this year, we will thank the management for their hard work in picking guys like these . Lannan , Langerhans, Casto, and others are to be included on that list the list too. Kearns is a great guy too and will do just fine next year.
 Believe me, these young Guns want to WIN!!!   For the Nats fans!!!!

I don't see needing both Casto and Boone, but that's the beauty of Sept. callups. Nothing against Boone, but they are the same player hitting from opposite sides of the plate. We'll see who's up next year.