Saturday marked six months since the Nationals’ parade down Constitution Avenue to celebrate the District’s first World Series title since 1924. It was the first opportunity fans had to rejoice with their team after the Nationals beat the Astros in Houston to win Game 7.
So far, it’s also been the only opportunity.
When the coronavirus pandemic forced MLB to suspend spring training and subsequently delay Opening Day, the Nationals were also unable to host their banner-raising ceremony and present their championship rings. It’s an event meant to close the book on the story of the team’s title run, but no fans in seats has put the celebration on hold.
General manager Mike Rizzo told MLB Network Radio that the team won’t raise its banner or hand out rings until fans are allowed to be there for the ceremony.
“I think as far as raising the banner and the distribution of rings, we’re going to wait for our fanbase to be involved to do those types of things,” Rizzo said. “Those are once-in-a-lifetime things to do and our fanbase is such a big factor in helping us win that thing. They earned it, they deserve to be involved in it and we’re going to wait for them to do it.”
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With scenarios that include games being played without fans reportedly on the table, the Nationals may have to start their new season without finishing celebrating their previous one.
So until that happens, fans only have the championship parade to look back on. That’s not to slight the celebrations that ensued the night Washington won Game 7 itself, but the team was halfway across the country. For now, the only chance fans have had to celebrate with the players and coaches has been the parade.
Why not look back on some of the best moments?
District of Champions...and those guys 🤣 pic.twitter.com/rbPWC8umrk
— ᑎIᑕK ᗩᔕᕼOOᕼ 🤧 (@NickAshooh) November 2, 2019
Adam Eaton’s been practicing for this moment his entire life.#CHAMPS // #FIGHTFINISHED pic.twitter.com/OBXNPTyGdw
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) November 2, 2019
IT’S PARADE DAY!!!!!! @Nationals #WorldSeriesChamps 🍾 pic.twitter.com/VJdgnPRIlm
— Heather Zimmerman (@HeatherZiMS) November 2, 2019
Zuk was behind the plate for my MLB debut in 2012...and now we’re sharing a float in the WORLD SERIES PARADE! 🤙🏻 pic.twitter.com/zOAAssYu6y
— Obi-Sean Kenobi Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) November 2, 2019
Look at this gam of baby sharks!!! pic.twitter.com/SxUrtHRRah
— NBC Sports Nationals (@NBCSNationals) November 2, 2019
tfw you can’t believe you’re in a championship parade with a light saber. pic.twitter.com/znYQbejdm1
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) November 2, 2019
Doo found the bullpen cart! #WorldChampions pic.twitter.com/pFv1BRBcCn
— Capital Sports Forecast (@NatsWx) November 2, 2019
Crazy person Max Scherzer is on top of the top of the bus. pic.twitter.com/s0DYohTKll
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) November 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/NBCSNationals/status/1190710542450724864So this just happened. Davey, Zim, Rizzo and Trophy pic.twitter.com/fF5B7pi3pR
— Game 7 enthusiast (@HalfStreetHeart) November 2, 2019
Is anyone having as much fun as Davey Martinez right now?? pic.twitter.com/zwEnPD0o55
— NBC Sports Nationals (@NBCSNationals) November 2, 2019
Dozier got on stage and immediately took his shirt off #NatsParade pic.twitter.com/rwcwtr0Tw3
— 🏌️♂️Arnold Palmer Fan Account🍹 (@md_dc) November 2, 2019
Ryan Zimmerman’s live reaction to the “BACK-TO-BACK” chant Bowser tried to start. pic.twitter.com/JxOTxf3loQ
— Capital Sports Forecast (@NatsWx) November 2, 2019
Anthony Rendon, when MVP chants are mentioned pic.twitter.com/yqdfIKSogF
— Dan Steinberg (@dcsportsbog) November 2, 2019
Shirtless Dozier dancing to Calma at World Series parade in DC is only way to end 2019 season. pic.twitter.com/wQbIVR2udp
— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) November 2, 2019
Ryan Zimmerman getting emotional in front of the Capitol because the Nats won the World Series? Ryan Zimmerman getting emotional in front if the Capitol because the Nats won the World Series. pic.twitter.com/T7kq3vhqgc
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) November 2, 2019
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