Being a Washington Nationals fan isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes more than just a love for baseball to be a good fan. While 2019’s World Series title still shines as the pinnacle of success for this organization, years since have brought fans back to earth. To truly stick with this team, one must embrace the full emotional ride, with the ups, downs, and everything in between.
1. Patience: Trusting the Process
True Nationals fans must be among the most patient in the league. After the glory of 2019, the franchise drastically shifted direction, trading away stars like Trea Turner, Max Scherzer, and Juan Soto for prospects. The vision? A brighter future built on the backs of young talent like James Wood, Dylan Crews, CJ Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore. While now we are seeing many of these benefits reaped oftentimes the futures doesn't win games today.
There are going to be more losing streaks than winning streaks, more bullpen blowups than 6 out saves, and more growing pains than walk offs. Being a Nationals fan means trusting in the rebuild and staying committed during the “dark days” in anticipation of brighter ones. That patience will eventually be rewarded.
2. Intelligence: Winning Without the Ring Count
Nationals fans can’t lean on decades of dominance or pull out a “27 rings” argument like Yankees fans. Instead, being a Nationals fan means being an intelligent fan. That means knowing the farm system, understanding the nuances of roster moves, appreciating player development, and making well-informed, thoughtful arguments. Because it is hard to win those debates with more successful teams at times. So its about understanding WAR, ERA+, and player ceilings. Nationals fans must debate with depth, not dynasty.
Following the farm system closely would be my best recommendation, as many of the future pieces of this franchise in guys like Seaver King, Luke Dickerson, and potentially even Kade Anderson or Ethan Holliday will all be working their way up to the big leagues in various levels of the minor leagues.
3. Pride: Showing Up No Matter What
Finally, there’s pride. Nationals Park may not always be full, but the faithful still show up. It’s easy to support a team when they’re winning 100 games. It takes true pride to wear the curly W when the team is fighting to avoid the basement. To the credit of the fans, the team still ranks 20th in the league in attendance this season, despite the subpar product on the field. Fans are hungry to see a competitive team in DC, and have shown that they will pack the park to watch a winning club.
Showing up to the park is what gets ownership to spend money on the big time free agents. Which is why that pride in showing up even when things are down is important. Furthermore, the Nationals have won a title more recently then 90% if the MLB so it's easy to have that pride. Pride is what builds community. Without pride you cannot be a part of the Nationals fandom.