March 30, 2008

And here we are, bottom of the ninth, score tied 2-2. What a night it's been for baseball in the nation's capital. The new Nationals Park, glistening under the lights, packed to the rafters with 39,000 strong. You can feel the electricity in the air.

Up steps Ryan Zimmerman, the face of this young franchise. Two outs, nobody on. The Braves' closer, Peter Moylan, looks in for the sign. The wind-up, and the pitch...

Zimmerman swings! It's a long drive, deep to left center field! Back goes Kotsay, to the warning track, at the wall... and it's gone! Zimmerman has done it! The Nationals win!

What a moment, what a game, what a way to christen this beautiful new ballpark! Ryan Zimmerman, with one majestic swing, has etched his name in Nationals history. The crowd is on its feet, a sea of red erupting in joy.

You know, in baseball, as in life, timing is everything. And young Mr. Zimmerman couldn't have picked a better time to send one into the night sky. As he rounds the bases, arms raised in triumph, you can't help but think this is the start of something special here in Washington.

His teammates pour out of the dugout to greet him at home plate. In the stands, strangers are hugging, high-fiving, caught up in the magic of the moment. This, friends, is why we love this game.

On a night dedicated to new beginnings, Ryan Zimmerman has given these fans an ending they'll never forget. A walk-off home run to win the first game in their new home. You couldn't write a script any better than this.

As the celebration continues on the field, one thing is clear: baseball has truly come home to Washington. And what a homecoming it's been.