Community Corner
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
What happens when you mix "man's best friend" with the national pastime? Fun, fur and balls definitely fly!
The Washington Nationals got a real tail-wagging reception from the crowd on Saturday. Not only did they harpoon the Miami Marlins in extra innings with a 3-2 win, but it was Opening Day for a new season of the highly popular Nationals Pups in the Park event.
Pups in the Park brings together baseball and man's best friend, for a good time and a good cause. The pet owners get to purchase a discounted game ticket ($22 in the Outfield Reserved section 140-143), and an $8 canine ticket, with proceeds benefitting the Washington Humane Society. Talk about a win-win situation, especially when the Nats scored on a Wilson Ramos sacrifice fly to center field and Ian Desmond scored the winning run in the 10th inning at Nationals Park.
The first annual Pups in the Park was held in 2009 and was such a hit that additional games have been added to the lineup. This year, Pups in the Park will take place at the following games:
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- Saturday April 21 vs. Miami Marlins 1:05pm
- Saturday, June 2 vs. Atlanta Braves at 4:05pm
- Saturday, July 7th vs. Colorado Rockies at 4:05pm
- Saturday, Sept. 22 vs. Milwaukee Brewers at 1:05pm
At this game, there was also a pregame Pup Parade to get the fun started.
The rules are pretty straightforward: All those with tickets purchased for Pups in the Park must enter through the RIGHT FIELD GATE. Upon entering the gate you must drop off a signed waiver form for your dog's up-to-date shots and vaccinations. Proceed to the water and relief area in the Family Picnic Area near Section 143. No dogs will be allowed in other concession areas of the ballpark. You may leave your dog in the seats with your guest or with the "Pet Sitters" located on the landing area.
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Randy Plante, author of "My Wingman Oliver," was my onsite Roving Rover Reporter and gave the event two paws up! He noted that not only was the weather perfect, but the game was exciting, there were hundreds of well-behaved pups participating at Nationals Park, and plenty of attentive owners on hand enjoying the day.
Sounds like a home run!