Flume, Vegemite and Bluey: Getting to know Australian Curtis Mead

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Nationals infielder Curtis Mead is one of just three Australian-born athletes to play in the Majors this season. Fans got to know his power at the plate when he hit two home runs on Monday. Now, get to know Mead off the field while he is playing baseball far from home.

MLB.com: I am really into walk-up music, but I had never heard your song. What is the story behind it?

Mead: When I first got to the big leagues, I wanted to have an Australian song, per se. So I had the Men at Work song, but then I felt it was a bit too generic Australian. Flume, he’s actually Australian and not many people know that. So I kind of thought about him, RÜFÜS DU SOL or FISHER. I ended up landing on that song from Flume.

MLB.com: What are some things from home that you have with you in D.C.?

Mead: Probably the only one is Vegemite. I quite enjoy that.

MLB.com: You know the jury’s out on that.

Mead: Yeah, I know they are. My wife's actually American, she likes it. She's one of the only ones. So we have it at the house, which is nice, but that's about it.

MLB.com: For those who are not connoisseurs, how would you prepare Vegemite?

Mead: It starts with butter. Then it’s lightly spread. I think a lot of people go pretty heavy. And I think it looks like Nutella – but it’s very much not like Nutella. Just lightly spread on a nice piece of toast is the way to go.

MLB.com: What are some of your favorite Australian phrases or verbiage that you use that are different from here?

Mead: What's funny is, going back and forth now, I start to forget what's what. My friends from Australia, when I get back home, they pay me out for sounding American. I’ll say, “Take the trash out,” where we would say “bin” or “rubbish.” There are a few [words]. I’m not really sure what they are, but guys like CJ [Abrams] and Milly [Drew Millas], they'll frequently be like, “Dude, what are you saying?” And I'm like, “Oh, I didn't realize you guys don't say that here.”

MLB.com: What is the best Australian TV show or movie that people should know about?

Mead: I’m going to say Bluey. That’s what all the fans will say to me, “Do you watch Bluey?” And I’m like, “I don’t personally watch it, but everyone seems to love it.” So let’s go with that.

MLB.com: Growing up, what was your favorite show?

Mead: Teletubbies or The Wiggles. I think they’re Australian.

MLB.com: Which one was your favorite?

Mead: The red one.

(Looks down at the red Nationals T-shirt he is wearing.)

Mead: I love red. So we're in a good spot.