Adam Eaton’s first season with the Washington Nationals didn’t go as planned. After suffering a season-ending injury just one month into the 2017 season, Eaton spent a majority of his first year in DC behind the scenes rehabbing. Even though he wasn’t playing on the field, Eaton became a fan favorite, sharing his passions and hobbies with Nationals fans.
One of Eaton’s biggest passions, cars, led to a car show, appropriately named Rev Up The Park, in the parking deck just outside Nationals Park last August. On Saturday, Eaton hosted his second annual event.
The down-to-earth outfielder chatted with fans while admiring some sweet rides.
Alarm clocks around the DMV blared early for the early morning car show. Starting at 6 AM and lasting until 10, car enthusiasts showed off their rides at the ballpark.
The event brought out all kinds of car owners and baseball fans to raise money for charity. Several local businesses, Slipstream and B Doughnuts, also donated free coffee and doughnuts for all attendees.
The event raised money for Eaton’s favorite charity, the Dragonfly Foundation, which the baseball player has been connected to since attending college at Miami University of Ohio. The Dragonfly Foundation provides support to young patients and families who are dealing with illnesses. They also serve as a support system to social workers and hospital staff who support the patients.
Saturday morning started off rainy, with many of the cars opting to park inside the garage rather than on the roof. After the skies cleared, the rides made their way outdoors. The sound of engines, both new and old, filled the empty air of M Street.
The best part of the event were the teammates that came out to support Eaton, even after a late game on Friday night. Pitcher Joe Ross, third baseman Anthony Rendon, relief pitcher Tim Collins, TV color analyst FP Santangelo, and even his manager Davey Martinez, were all in attendance. Ross and Rendon parked off-site, but Collins did park his Ford Shelby truck on the roof.
Eaton, a regular attendee to Katie’s Cars and Coffee during his rehab last season, knew it was a no-brainer to host this event again.
We hope to see it for many years to come.
Photos
Screech, the Nationals mascot, showing off some of the cars parked in the garage as it was raining
The bullpen cart in all it’s glory
Close-up details on the bullpen cart
Group of Toyota Landcruisers
Cars lined up on the roof after the rain stopped
Vintage GT with custom “You Wish” license plate
Ford Duster with custom license plate
DMV-based Pohanka Automotive Group with a corner set-up
Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, and Ford GT
The engine of a 1957 Thunderbird
DC skyline with rain clouds moving out
Doughnuts provided by B. Doughnut
A 4-month old King Charles Cavalier waiting for the rain to stop
Adam Eaton checking out some cars with Tim Collins
“Go Nats” artwork inside a Tesla
Eaton and Screech post with the bullpen cart
Eaton giving some opening remarks
Eaton speaking with a young baseball player
Ford and Chevy trucks in a row
4-month old Rottweiler puppy
4-month old Rottweiler puppy
Eaton checks out vintage car
Eaton poses with the cars owner and a signed bat
The bats Eaton gave out to his favorite cars
Eaton signs the “Mighty Mouse,” Eaton’s nickname, shirt of a young fan
Duster comic in the vintage Ford Duster
Eaton looks at the Ford trucks
Ford truck with custom CRN1VOR license plate
Cars lined up on the roof
TV color analyst FP Santangelo joined the fun
Eaton and Santangelo with the Pohanka Automotive Group staff
The event from the top
Eaton poses with his Toyota truck (and a mini-truck)
Starting pitcher Joe Ross stopped by
Eaton talks to attendee about his Cadillac
Cadillac engine
Eaton laughs while looking at the 1957 Thunderbird
Young fan gives Eaton a card for Bryce Harper. (Last year, this same fan gave Eaton a get-well card for him and Jayson Werth.)
Ross and Anthony Rendon
Eaton is greeted by his son Brayden, as mom and baby Maverick look on
DC skyline with blue skies
Brayden’s favorite car was one of the Toyota Landcruiser, where he loved honking the horn
Eaton and Brayden with the Landcruisers owner
Eaton with the Landcruiser group
Cars leaving as the event came to an end
Goodbye Nationals Park!
Photos: Cara Bahniuk
