June 8, 2010 is a huge day for the Washington Nationals franchise. I don't think it gets any bigger than this...for now. On Tuesday, June 8th, the Nationals will play the Pirates. Seemingly insignificant, seeing as the Nats are just barely hovering around the .500 and the Pirates keep proving why they are Pittsburgh's fourth favorite sports team, behind the Steelers, the Penguins, and the U of Pitt Panthers football team. So why isn't this just another home game for the Nats? June 8th marks the Major League debut of Stephen Strasburg, the starting pitcher from San Diego State they drafted 1st overall in 2009. In nine combined AA and AAA starts, he has been lighting batters up with his near-100mph fastball and awesome command of breaking balls. In his Minor League starts, he has an ERA of 1.43 with 60 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings pitched. How those numbers will translate in the Majors remains to be seen. But, to be blunt, he got da' goods! He has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in history. June 8th is going to be a pivotal day in the History of the Nationals. This is a pitcher who could give the Nats that extra spark they could use right now to play even better and actually contend for the NL East title, a division that is reeking of mediocrity right now.
But the bigger reason why June 8th is important is because it will show just how much Washington, D.C. embraces or doesn't embrace this franchise. So far, the Nats have been given a lukewarm reception. I don't think they have ever sold out a game. But I expect that the game on June 8th to be sold out. If Washingtonians are truly baseball fans, they will sell out Nationals Ballpark to watch the beginning of the potentially brilliant career of Stephen Strasburg. If I still lived in the DC area, I would be going to the game so that years from now I could be one of those old codgers who can say "I was there when..."! If the debut of a hopeful superstar isn't enough to fill the seats, I have no earthly clue what will.
So to all you Nats fans out there: Get to the game! If you are not otherwise obligated, and know how to use the Metro, get your asses to the game on June 8th. Be part of something special!
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