From First To Worst (#ETTD)

Mmmm, the schadenfreude.

Last November, following a thrilling run capped by winning the World Series, our home baseball team, the Washington Nationals, made a trip to the White House to celebrate.  Some players, noting the record of aspiring autocrat Donald "Mango Mussolini" Trump, declined to participate in the event.  Some, however, made a point of displaying their Natitude MAGAtude.

Like journeyman catcher Kurt Suzuki, who donned a MAGA hat and got a free feel from Mango, much to the squealing delight of manager Dave Martinez (Puerto Rican American!) and General Manager Mike Rizzo --

Also taking part in the merriment with the cager- of- immigrant- children was long- time Nats player Ryan Zimmerman, who presented Putin's puppet with a team jersey --

Zimbo's remarks indicated he may have taken a few too many beanballs in his career:

Zimmerman, who presented Trump with a Nationals jersey bearing his name and No. 45, praised Trump’s leadership. He called the visit an “unbelievable honor” and said the team would “like to thank you for keeping everyone here safe in our country and continuing to make America the greatest country to live in in the world.” (our emphasis)

Yes, we feel much safer today with Putin's puppet, the Very Stable Genius, in control of the nuclear button, not to mention his attempts to emulate his Russian hero in domestic politics!  And how did that coronavirus thing work out for ya?  Much safer, yes. Thanks for your thoughtful analysis, Zimbo.  And note to Suzuki:  you do know your man's a White Nationalist, don't you?

That day cost the Nationals a lot of fans, including us.

And, because Everything Trump Touches Dies (#ETTD), it also cost the Nats a successful follow-up season.  They went from World Series Champions to last place in the National League East this year (something we had a sense was brewing back in July).  Zimbo opted not to play this season, which may be his last anyway;  Suzuki is at the end of his 2-year contract and hopefully will be let go (not holding our breath, though).  Martinez, unfortunately will still be with the Nats for a while, lending the franchise his #ETTD bad karma stink for seasons to come.