The Washington Capitals and Washington Nationals officially announced a collaborative specialty jersey on Wednesday morning. The new sweater was created in celebration of the two teams’ respective 50th and 20th anniversary seasons and their close relationship over the past two decades.
The jersey was first revealed on Monday morning when Capitals defenseman John Carlson stepped out onto the MedStar Capitals Iceplex ice wearing it after the club’s informal practice. The Nationals have 18 games remaining in their 20th anniversary season, while the Capitals wrapped up their 50th anniversary campaign last spring.
The white jersey features a bold typeface “WASHINGTON” on the front as well as each individual player’s number. The font on the front and back of the jersey, and both numbers, is a nod to the Nationals’ 2005 home uniform from their first season in DC.
The gold beveling used to accent the elements on the jersey was used by the Nationals for their first six seasons (2005-2010). The Nationals eventually dropped the gold in 2011, only temporarily bringing it back for the 2020 season in honor of their victory in the 2019 World Series.
The Capitals’ usual Weagle patch logo is located on the left shoulder of the jersey, while the Nationals’ 20th anniversary commemorative logo adorns the right shoulder.
In celebration of the jersey, Capitals forward Dylan Strome will throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park on Monday, September 15, when the Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. Strome will be wearing the new sweater when he takes the mound.
Additionally, Nationals players will wear special-edition Capitals T-shirts during batting practice. Other Capitals-related activations will take place throughout the ballpark.
The two teams plan to launch auctions on October 14 featuring the jerseys, with proceeds benefiting their collective impact in DC’s Wards 7 and 8.
A full team set of specialty jerseys autographed by Capitals players, as well as autographed limited-edition Capitals and Nationals co-branded pucks, will be auctioned off by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. The Washington Nationals Philanthropies and Youth Baseball Academy will have their own selection of items available for bids.
Here’s the full press release from the Capitals:
Washington Capitals and Nationals Collaborate on Specialty Jersey
Dylan Strome to throw out ceremonial first pitch at Nationals game on Sept. 15
Arlington, Va. and Washington, D.C. – The Washington Capitals and Nationals have announced a collaborative specialty jersey. As the Nationals wrap up their 20th anniversary season and the Capitals celebrated their historic 50th anniversary last year, the two organizations have joined to honor the strong relationship that they have built and their shared connection to the city.
The connection between these teams includes several memorable events, such as the thrilling 2015 NHL Winter Classic held at Nationals Park, ceremonial first pitches, the Stanley Cup appearance at Nationals Park and the Zamboni ride given to Nationals players at Capital One Arena shortly after they captured the World Series in 2019. This jersey symbolizes the living history of the remarkable moments created by both organizations, including bringing championships to the nation’s capital in back-to-back years with the Stanley Cup in 2018 and World Series in 2019.
Jersey Inspiration & Key Elements
The “Washington” across the chest symbolizes a shared passion and pride for representing thedistrict on the diamond and ice. The font on the front and back of the jersey, as well as thenumbers, are a tip of the cap to the Nationals 2005 home uniform, which brought Major League Baseball back to the city after a 33-year absence. Additionally, one shoulder features the Weagle as seen on the Capitals home primary jersey, while the other displays the Nationals 20thanniversary logo.
Dylan Strome Ceremonial First Pitch
Donning the specialty jersey, Capitals forward Dylan Strome will throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park on Monday, Sept. 15, when the Nationals host the Atlanta Braves. During batting practice that day, Nationals players will wear special-edition Capitals T-shirts. Additional Capitals-themed activations will take place at the ballpark throughout the evening.
Auction to Benefit Local Youth Sports
Both teams’ charitable arms will launch auctions featuring the specialty jerseys with proceeds benefiting their collective impact in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8. A full team set of specialty jerseys autographed by Capitals players, as well as autographed limited-edition Capitals and Nationals co-branded pucks, will be auctioned off by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, and a limited set of specialty jerseys and co-branded pucks autographed by Nationals players will be auctioned off by Washington Nationals Philanthropies and Youth Baseball Academy. Both auctions will open on Oct. 14 and will be further promoted by the teams. Funds raised will benefit each team’s youth sports programming in Wards 7 and 8. The Capitals, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, Nationals and Washington Nationals Philanthropies are committed to removing barriers to youth sports in the Washington, D.C. area.
