WASHINGTON -- As they arrived at the clubhouse prior to Friday's game against the Mets, several Nationals players unwrapped and unveiled their new gear for the inaugural Players Weekend. It was almost like Christmas morning with all the new bats, socks and shirts opened at Nationals Park.
Anthony Rendon's (aka "Ant") cleats feature the skyline of his hometown of Houston. Some players had custom bats featuring the colors and flag of their home country -- Adam Lind (aka "Donnie") showed off his red and blue bat with an American flag and Wilmer Difo (aka "El Lindo") carried a red and blue bat with a flag from the Dominican Republic. Brian Goodwin (aka B. Good) showed off his bright-colored socks to Nationals manager Dusty Baker.
• Players Weekend gear available at MLBShop.com
Bryce Harper had a few boxes around his locker as he opened up different colorful bats and custom cleats. Unfortunately, he is still on the disabled list with a bone bruise in his left knee, which he had no update for on Friday, so he will not get to wear his jersey with the nickname "Big Kid." And fans will also not have the chance to see Trea Turner (aka "Triple T") steal bases with his custom cleats featuring a picture of the Road Runner as he is still on a Minor League rehab assignment with Class A Advanced Potomac.
Players were introduced by their nicknames by the public address announcer and had them listed on the scoreboard. The Nationals are encouraging fans to engage in the action. The Nats have produced three large panels identical to the official thank you patches, which players will wear on their sleeves, to hang in the ballpark. Fans at Friday's game could visit the panels on the right-field main concourse to write their own note of thanks to the people or organizations who helped develop their love of the game.