Nats celebrate Hispanic heritage early

WASHINGTON -- Hispanic Heritage month begins Sunday, but with their lengthy 10-game road trip and limited number of home games this month, the Nationals celebrated the Hispanic community a few weeks early.

Before their game against the Marlins on Aug. 28, several Nationals players lined up along the first-base line behind flags of their respective home countries. When members of the starting lineup jogged onto the field, they met children from Centro Nia, a multicultural learning community focused on bilingual education.

The game, which the Nationals won, 4-3, also featured Hispanic-themed entertainment and video tributes to honor Hispanic athletes for their contributions to baseball.

Members of the Hispanic community will also be honored in pregame ceremonies on Roberto Clemente Day on Tuesday.