Nats' pops get taste of big league life in inaugural Dads Trip

ST. PETERSBURG -- Nationals relief pitcher Brad Lord realized a lifetime dream this weekend. He played catch with his father, Joey, at Tropicana Field.

"We always talked about one day how we would have a catch together on a Major League field," Lord said. "That has been a huge dream for both of us. I was out there just soaking it in, reminiscing about all the times we played catch in the backyard."

Fathers, sons and baseball.

That was the backdrop for Father’s Day weekend and the Nationals’ inaugural Dads Trip, in which 32 dads of players, coaches and staff joined the team during its three-game road trip against the Rays. The dads traveled on the team charter, stayed in the team hotel and had unmatched quality time with their Major League sons.

Steven David Chard, father of team massage therapist Emily Chard, traveled the farthest, coming from London, England.

"All the dads are having a blast," Nationals manager Blake Butera said. "Such a cool experience to be with their sons, who they’ve been sharing baseball with since the sons were little kids. These Major Leaguers get a chance to show some appreciation for their dads.

"I walked out there [Friday] and saw all the dads and sons playing catch. For some of them, it looked like an Easter egg toss. They were having lots of fun. I’m sure we’ll have some sore arms."

For shortstop CJ Abrams, it was a cherished experience with the man "who taught me the game from the moment I was able to walk" -- his father, Chris. They spent time in the hotel taking some "batting practice," using a plastic bat and some rolled-up socks, sort of like the player’s younger days.

"It has been like this my whole life -- baseball and my pops," CJ Abrams said. "It means the world. He gave so much to me his whole life and set me up for success. I’m so glad we get the chance to do this."

Chris Abrams said he remembers an 18-month-old CJ picking up a plastic bat for the first time and whacking it with authority.

"He just loved it," Chris Abrams said. "We’ve always had baseball in common, so you stay very close as a father and son. I loved baseball my whole life and my son has been lucky enough to play the game at the Major League level.

"Every Father’s Day, I remember when he was growing up, we were at some kind of tournament somewhere. Father’s Day brings back so many great memories. I’d love to do those days all over again. Talking to all the other dads on this trip, they say the same thing. We have different stories and situations, but we all share a baseball journey. That’s what makes this weekend so special."

Kenny Wood, the father of Nationals outfielder James Wood, said the entire weekend was a refreshing experience.

"The season can be tough on these guys," Kenny Wood said. "They’re so busy. Some of them have families themselves and other commitments. You go to games when you can, but this weekend has been different. Starting with the bus ride to the airport and just seeing the camaraderie, everybody talking to their kids and having such a relaxed time, it has been awesome. I’m so appreciative that the Nationals did this."

Fathers, sons and baseball.

For the Nationals, that was a can’t-miss formula this weekend.

"My son was so eager to play ball growing up, I think he wore out the ends of all his gloves," said Kevin Aydt, father of Nationals assistant hitting coach Andrew Aydt. "I remember he had afternoon kindergarten. He’d always get me down out of my office to play catch until the kindergarten bus came. He’d wear you out.

"But I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. Baseball has been great for our relationship. This Father’s Day just brings it full-circle and it shows you how much this game has meant to us."