Tensions and hopes are higher than ever for lifelong student Nationals fans

Link to the article: https://umdsbs.wordpress.com/2019/10/30/tensions-and-hopes-are-higher-than-ever-for-lifelong-student-nationals-fans/

Published on Stories Beneath the Shell:

“I have been waiting my whole life for this series.”

For many Washington Nationals fans, this year’s Major League Baseball World Series is a culmination of years of disappointment. For Jackson Hawkins, a sophomore journalism major, this week “means the world.” 

Since the Nationals moved to Washington in 2005, fans have had little to cheer about during the postseason. Despite winning division titles in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017, the Nationals were never able to advance past the first round of playoffs —until this year.  

As a fan of the Nationals since their first season, Hawkins has beared every high and low of the franchise. After witnessing his team’s elimination in their first playoff series in 2012 from the stands of Nationals Park, Hawkins was filled with grief. 

“I was heartbroken. I was in shambles,” Hawkins said.

It was this pit in Hawkins’ Nationals fandom that has made this postseason run all the more sweet. 

“Coming this far… it’s pretty crazy. It means the world,” said Hawkins. 

According to Hawkins, what sets this team apart is a combination of team chemistry, leadership efficiency and rookies producing results. 

“All of our developing pieces are coming together,” Hawkins said. “During the games… I am super confident.”

For Hawkins, a Nationals World Series victory not only means a lot to him, it would mean a lot for Washington.

“I’m such a fan of the game… to bring that title to D.C., we’re not really a sports town, I have so much hometown pride,” Hawkins said. “It would mean so much for the city… It would be everything to me.”

Hawkins’ confidence is not felt by the entirety of the Nationals’ fanbase. Zac Lintz, a senior economics major, still finds himself getting nervous before and during every game. 

“I am sick to my stomach… It is definitely nerve wracking… I’ve been waiting 15 years for this,” said Lintz.

For both Lintz and Hawkins, the Nationals winning the World Series goes beyond baseball, it’s a family affair. 

Growing up, Lintz and Hawkins were both able to spend time and connect with their families through the Nationals. To see the team clinch the series would be a win for the whole family. 

“If we win, I will probably cry… winning will be good for me and my dad because we started our fandom together and it means a little more,” said Lintz. Both Lintz and Hawkins plan on watching the remainder of the series in downtown Washington, and each hopes to witness a win that validates their lifelong fandom.