FanSided

Washington Nationals: What a pleasure to be with you

By Ron Juckett |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - APRIL 5: Fans walk to the game between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, April 5, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - APRIL 5: Fans walk to the game between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, April 5, 2018 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

After 535 pieces covering the Washington Nationals, here is my chance to say thank you and farewell. It’s been an honor to cover this team.

So, Washington Nationals fans, how do you say thank you?

For the last 20 months, you have let me on to your phones, computers and tablets to share your passions, a few jokes and two consecutive National League East titles together. As I move on, I owe you a huge thank you.

On my first night, Stephen Strasburg hurt his arm and ended his 2016 season. The last day saw a much-needed win by the Nats spearheaded by Gio Gonzalez. I got a virtual front row seat to Ryan Zimmerman’s career year. The pleasure of seeing Trea Turner blossom and Max Scherzer dominate.

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Together, we mourned two brutal Game 5’s and made sense of countless moves. Someday, this franchise will break through. The wait for that magic day is worth the short-term agony. I am a lifelong fan.

There are so many people to thank for my time here. My wife Sarah, for starters, who learned to laugh at the good times and understand this crazy game. She is my biggest treasure.

From FanSided, a huge shout out to Chris Headrick. Chris, our MLB director, put great faith in me by placing me here. When something came up, he gave steady advice and helped us grow this site beyond our imaginations. Also, Dave Hill as a mentor.

Dave is the senior expert at Call to the Pen, which is where I am returning as a writer. His guidance was a tremendous help.

To my fellow experts Ricky Keeler and Drew Douglas, you guys are the best. Ricky’s love of minor-league baseball is huge, but not as big as his heart. Drew is a first-generation Nats fans who loves this team beyond compare. His passion and skills are incredible. Follow this young man’s career. He is going places.

To the contributors of District on Deck, your knowledge and passion for the Nats is outstanding. Your skills as writers grows. I genuinely will miss working with you.

For you fans, the folks who cover Washington on a daily basis are some of the best in the game. They focus on real issues telling the story and not on creating back-page headlines. The long-hours and constant travel take a toll, but Chelsea Janes, Byron Kerr, Jorge Castillo, Mark Zuckerman and Jamal Collier are tremendous. I have learned a great deal by reading them.

Last, none of this would be possible without you. My nights on Twitter covering games were a big highlight. From night one, you made me feel comfortable and welcome. Hopefully, you laughed. I know you helped me through some difficult times.

Next: Kintzler leads shaky pen

Thank you all for everything. Go Nats!

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