The Washington Nationals are a young team, starting their Major League Baseball career in Montreal, Canada under the name of the "Montreal Expos" from 1969 to 2004. The team had the success of hosting a number of talented players including Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter and former All-Star game MVP, outfielder Tim Raines. After several struggling seasons, the Expos moved to Washington and changed their name for a change of luck. The Washington Nationals looked to change their image as a losing team, and have worked on garnering the support of many talented young players including Fireman Award winning pitcher Chad Cordero in their three year history. The name was derived from the fact that Washington, D.C. is the national capital of the United States. This is the opening season for Nationals Park, where the Nationals currently play. This brand new park is state of the art and an attraction in itself.
In addition to this new stadium and new-look team, the Washington Nationals are still getting things together with a slow start to this season. The Nationals currently hold a 29-42 record, which puts them in 5th place in the National League East division. They are led by 5-time All-Star catcher Paul Lo Duca who is entering his tenth season in the league. Manager Manny Acta was acquired last year in an attempt to change things up with the team, who struggles to produce a winning season. Tickets are selling slow until this team works together towards a winning season and playoff contention.
