Nats: Teddy finally wins Presidents Race

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday morning, I wondered if Teddy would finally win the President’s Race:

I’d like to think that clinching the division and heading to the playoffs is sufficient motivation to end this on the final day of the season. From my perspective, having him win in the playoffs takes attention away from the achievements of the players, manager and coaching staff, front office, etc. If it were up to me, Teddy would win today. I’m not just saying that because I have tickets.

I’m pleased that the Nats felt the same way as me:

The whole fake Philly Phantic thing was weird and at least one tweeter was disappointed in it. I got over it, because it was great to see Teddy finally win.

Congratulations go out to Scott Abelman of Let Teddy Win which naturally has lots of coverage:

Teddy Wins His First Presidents Race on Historic Day at Nationals Park (Videos, Photos, & More) | Teddy’s victory in slow motion | Are the Nationals planning to retire Teddy Roosevelt?

Don’t retire him, but just let the race be a race and nothing more. Also, stop calling it the “Main Event”. The Nats won 98 games this year and averaged over 30,000 a game, so the gimmicks can go away now.

Scott should have been fan of the game.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Teddy wins first Presidents Race – DC Sports Bog, The Post
Players react to Teddy’s victory – DC Sports Bog, The Post

“I am so glad Teddy won so we can stop talking about Teddy,” said Ryan Zimmerman, who has previously called the Teddy losing situation a distraction. “People get more excited for a mascot race than a game. Yes, I’m excited Teddy won. I’m ecstatic.”

Stephen Strasburg had a similar sentiment.

“It’s a mascot race,” he told me. “It’s definitely not the main event.”

‘Let Teddy Win’ creator credits John McCain – Politico
Nationals finally let Teddy win – The Wash. Examiner
Nationals mascot claims historic victory – USA Today

No press release Sen. McCain? Revel in this win senator!

Okay, he did on Twitter:

#Teddy won! #Teddy won! #Teddy won! We’ve defeated the massive left wing conspiracy!

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) October 3, 2012

ON THE FIELD

The Nats beat the Phillies 5-1 with Zimmerman homering in the first at-bat after Teddy’s win. Of course he did.