Potomac Nationals

Jayson Werth and Trea Turner rehabbed with the Potomac Nationals. A bobblehead giveaway helped make it one of the biggest games in PNats history

Over the years, bobbleheads have become huge draws for sports teams and a unique, valuable commodity to fans. This past Saturday, a local minor league baseball team experienced the drawing power of a great giveaway combined with rehabilitation stints by two of the organization’s biggest stars. Just like the Great American Eclipse the week before, everything aligned to create a spectacular event.

In January, the Carolina League’s Potomac Nationals, the High-A affiliate of the Nats, held a fan vote to determine what their fan-voted bobblehead of the summer should be. Fans voted in droves for a bobblehead featuring the Nationals’ sideline reporter and the team’s hairy and majestically bearded outfielder, Jayson Werth.

It highlighted one of the most iconic moments of the 2016 season. Fans had to have it.

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Peter Bondra Throws Out First Pitch at Potomac Nationals Game, Tries to “Hit Target” (Video)

Great form. (Photo credit: Caps Instagram)

Friday night, Washington Capitals legend and 500-goal scorer Peter Bondra threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Potomac Nationals game in some weird place called Woodbridge, Virginia (probably doesn’t even have a wooden bridge). Bonzai signed autographs and posed for photos with Caps fans before and during the game.

“I am a little bit nervous,” Bondra revealed to Monumental Network before he participated in the first pitch ceremony. “I wish I had a little board and a hockey stick and puck. That make it easy. But I try to hit target.”

Bonzai was likely anxious because he never played baseball as a kid. He also threw out the first pitch at a Frederick Keys game in the past and his toss was a little bit wild.

Nonetheless, the Caps legend (who you can see play at the upcoming Caps Alumni Game, Thursday, September 19th) found his courage and took the field. After meeting the other first pitch honorees, he chose to go last. “I will see what you do and I will do same,” Bondra told them.

Once the Caps legend was told to take the mound, he faked a side-armed heave and then quickly threw the ball to the catcher.

“I think I hit the target,” Bondra said of his low and outside pitch. “The catcher didn’t have to lean too far. I didn’t want to throw wild pitch. That would be embarrassing.” Indeed.

Below, check out video of his toss and a bunch of photos from Hockey Night at Pfitzner Stadium. Reminder: Carolina League baseball RULES!

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By Ian Oland 6 years ago

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