Livan Hernandez to Attend NatsFest

Jun 27, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher

(61) pitches during the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Brewers defeated the Reds 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s NatsFest is shaping up to be the best so far, as Nationals fans will have the chance to meet and interact with Nationals players, both new and old.

As if appearances from Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg and Ryan Zimmerman weren’t enough, Nationals fans will also be able to meet former Nationals pitcher Livan Hernandez, another player who undoubtedly helped lay the foundation for the franchise. The announcement was made by principal owner Mark Lerner in a blog post this morning.

"“We are also expecting a special visit from arguably our most beloved Nationals alum, …Livan Hernandez. Livan, who threw the first pitch in the history of the Nationals, completed his 17-year big league career in 2012 with 178 wins, 44 of which came as a member of the Nationals. It will be fantastic to sit down and catch up with Livan,” Lerner wrote."

Hernandez, 38, played with the Nationals/Expos organization from 2003-2006, and again from 2009-2011. Hernandez served as the Nationals’ ace on several occasions, including the team’s inaugural season in 2005, in which he finished 15-10 and was selected to the All-Star Game.

After leaving the Nationals in 2011, Hernandez pitched for the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, before retiring in 2012.

NatsFest is a perfect opportunity for Nationals fans to meet one of the most important players in the history of the team. The event will be held this Saturday, January 25th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. If you can’t make it on Saturday, District on Deck has you covered, as we will be covering NatsFest before, during and after the event.

For more information on NatsFest and a full list of players expected to appear, click here.