Washington Nationals opened the District's new $611 million ballpark with a 3 to 2 victory against the Atlanta Braves. The season opener marked the first Major League Baseball game of 2008 on US soil. With the dome of the U.S. Capitol lit up against the black night sky beyond left field, and the Washington Monument visible from patches of the upper deck, the park provided a picturesque setting.
President George W. Bush takes the field to throw out the inaugural first pitch at Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1976 views
|
President George W. Bush and Washington Nationals Owner Theodore N. Lerner share a handshake during the introductions. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1794 views
|
President Bush is announced to the Washington crowd and received a mix of cheers and boo-birds. Many fans were annoyed at the long wait into the stadium that Bush’s presence created. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1634 views
|
President Bush takes the mound for the first pitch ever thrown in Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1697 views
|
Here’s the pitch! President Bush had decent form but his toss was a little high. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1657 views
|
President Bush threw out the first pitch to Washington National Manager Manny Acta. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
2311 views
|
One last wave to the crowd from President Bush as he and manager Manny Acta walk of the field at Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1796 views
|
DSC00738 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1811 views
|
Washington DC’s own Mayor Adrian Fenty greets the fans and welcomes the Washington Nationals to their own stadium. In all, the District of Columbia provided over $600 million for Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
2601 views
|
Washington Nationals pitcher Odalis Perez was 8-11 with a 5.57 ERA last year for the Kansas City Royals but was given the opportunity to be the starting pitcher on Opening Day. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1883 views
|
History in the making! Starting pitcher Odalis Perez throws the first pitch ever inside Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1968 views
|
Atlanta Braves 2B Kelly Johnson becomes the first person ever to strike out at Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
2381 views
|
Balk Four! Atlanta Braves SS Yunel Escobar becomes the first player to draw a walk in Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
3443 views
|
For the game, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Odalis Perez pitched five strong innings, giving up one run on four hits, including two strikeouts. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1914 views
|
Starting SS Cristian Guzman gets ready to take the first Washington Nationals at-bat for the new 2008 season. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
1771 views
|