The Wally Express keeps Nationals camp running

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The sound of tires rolling across the cement walking paths and onto the dirt of the warning tracks became a familiar noise throughout the Nationals’ complex this Spring Training.

With the Nats’ new coaching staff operating an action-packed, condensed training schedule each day, they implemented a new system for players to get to and from their next stop.

Clubhouse advisor Mike “Wally” Wallace drove a cart to transport position players to and from the batting cages and practice fields, keeping the meticulously organized drills running on time.

“It’s the Wally Express,” James Wood said.

Wallace is a revered mainstay in the Nats’ clubhouse for his tireless efforts. He is entering his 53rd season working in Major League Baseball and 24th with the franchise, dating back to the Expos. Over his career, Wallace has worked with Texas (1973-88), Kansas City (1989-91), Florida (1992-01), Montreal (2002-04) and Washington (2005-present).

“He’s the heart and soul of the team,” Dylan Crews said. “Wally’s been here longer than anybody has. I couldn’t imagine not having Wally around. He’s one of a kind.”

This spring, Wallace had the unique opportunity to expand his lengthy resume and get onto the fields.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Wallace said. “It’s enjoyable, because I'm lucky enough to get to know them as people, rather than as players. And I'm not only just an old, crotchety old man around there [smiles], but someone that they look forward to, depend upon -- someone they yell at whenever I'm not there on time.”

But Wallace is always there.

“[My favorite ride] is probably when we think he's not going to come,” Nasim Nuñez said. “Then, he comes and gets us, and we yell out, ‘Hey, taxi!’ and then he’ll be like, ‘I’m coming!’”

On some trips, it is a packed cart of five players. Other times, there is more space with just two on board. As soon as everyone is seated comfortably, Wallace drives off to the next location so the players can meet the start time.

“This year, we’ve been on the main fields every day,” Robert Hassell III said. “Last year, it was a lot of back fields and we didn’t have a cart, so it was just a lot of walking. I feel like sometimes it messed with the time schedule so we were not actually on time, but he’s glued to the schedule. I think that’s probably been the most clutch thing this spring.”

The rides only last a few minutes, but that is enough time for the players to catch their breath, crack jokes and chat.

“We're doing a lot of stuff out there, so speeding up the time in between things is kind of nice, and saving the legs never, never hurts either,” Jacob Young said. “Wally is a pretty good driver, always has a schedule on him, always knows what time it is, which is helpful in those moments. And he’s always an easy conversation if you need one.”

Along the way, Wallace and the players pass by onlooking fans with the West Palm Beach breeze behind them.

“[The rides] feel like a movie, the wind’s blowing in your face,” Wood said. “They’re nice.”

After five decades in the baseball business, Wallace has embraced the twist to his daily routine.

“I’ve done just about anything,” Wallace said. “But it’s like they say, never close your eyes or look away, because there’s always something new coming.”

For the past six weeks, that something new helped keep Spring Training running on schedule.

“He makes sure everybody has what they need every single day, never takes any days off,” CJ Abrams said. “Wally’s the G-O-A-T.”