No FanFest, no Winter Caravan, but here's what community events the Nats have planned for the next two weeks. This is straight from the team's press release. (Interesting that Charlie Slowes, who has not officially had his contract extended, will be attending)...
The Washington Nationals today announced the schedule for their 2008 Winter Tour. The teams' third winter event since their return to Washington in 2005 will be conducted in two phases, with the first running from Saturday, January 12 through Thursday, January 17. Manager Manny Acta, infielder Aaron Boone and pitchers Jason Bergmann and John Lannan will participate in the first leg, with events moderated by Nationals' Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes. The team will begin the second portion on Thursday, January 24, concluding the appearances on Monday, January 28. Nationals Mascot "Screech" and the Racing Presidents will also participate in the slate of activities.
"The 2008 Winter Tour is an opportunity for the Nationals family to reach out to the Greater Washington community prior to the kick off of the 2008 season," said Team President Stan Kasten. The team will attend a variety of events, including, but not limited to, school appearances and book donations, autograph sessions and hospital visits. Following the conclusion of the tour, Nationals players will report to Viera, Fl for the start of Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers will report to camp on Friday, February 15 and position players will follow on Wednesday, February 20.
Media Alerts with details on each event and its participants will be distributed daily throughout the tour. A schedule for the Washington Nationals 2008 Winter Tour is attached. Additional players will be named for the second series of events.
For information on tickets for the Washington Nationals Spring Training games in Viera, Florida or for 2008 regular season games at Nationals Park, please log on to www.nationals.com or call 202-675-NATS (6287). The Nationals open the 2008 season and new Nationals Park on Sunday, March 30 at 8:05pm when they host the Atlanta Braves on ESPN.
2008 WASHINGTON NATIONALS WINTER TOUR
SATURDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 17
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 - MONDAY, JANUARY 28
Participating Players, Manager and Front Office Staff
Manager Manny Acta January 14-17
Pitcher Mike Bacsik January 24-26
Pitcher Jason Bergmann January 12-16
Infielder Aaron Boone January 12
Pitcher John Lannan January 14-16
President Stan Kasten January 12
Nationals Mascot "Screech" and the Racing Presidents
Moderators
Washington Nationals Radio Broadcaster Charlie Slowes January 12-16
Saturday, January 12
9:00am - 5:00pm*
NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo, Washington, DC
*Noon - 3:00pm
Players Skills Demonstration, Q&A and Autograph Session
Sunday, January 13
9:00am - 5:00pm*
NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo, Washington, DC
*1:00pm - 3:00pm
Players Skills Demonstration, Q&A and Autograph Session
Monday, January 14
9:00am - 11:00am
Food & Friends, Washington, DC
Players will assist in food preparation for delivery later that day.
Tuesday, January 15
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC
The team will donate toys to the hospital and visit with patients
6:00pm - 7:00pm*
Autograph Session at Washington Capitals Game, Washington, DC
Thursday, January 17
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Smart CEO Future 50, Washington, DC
Manny Acta will serve as keynote speaker
Thursday, January 24
11:00am - 1:30pm
National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Gifford's Ice Cream and Candy Co. Washington, DC
Players will serve ice cream to customers
Friday, January 25
10:00am - 11:30am
William Wirt School Assembly, Riverdale, MD
School assembly and book donation to school library
Saturday, January 26
11:30am - 2:00pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Prince William County, VA
Youth Clinic
Sunday, January 27
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Autograph Session at Washington Auto Show, Washington DC
Monday, January 28
10:00am - 11:30am
Arlington County Public School Visit
School assembly and book donation to school library
