CUA Pride at the Ballpark: Nationals vs. Royals
Image courtesy of CUA Campus Ministry
By Francesca Jonica
Have you ever found yourself at a baseball game surrounded by friends, the enticing smell of peanuts wafting through the air, and the thrilling buzz of competition all around? Do you cheer passionately for your team or find yourself secretly rooting for the rival squad? As the excitement of an MLB game unfolds, what thoughts race through your mind?
This past Tuesday, September 24th, the Washington Nationals faced off against the Kansas City Royals in a special event that celebrated the vibrant spirit of the Catholic University of America.
The day began with hopeful skies, but as the hours wore on, raindrops began to fall on Catholic U’s campus. Concerns arose amongst students that the game might be canceled, and attendance would dwindle. However, the clouds seemed to part as the clock edged closer to 6 PM. Approximately twenty spirited students gathered, each eager to embrace the experience despite the weather.
Students boarded the red line, transferring at Gallery Place-Chinatown to the green line. Upon entering the stadium, it was announced that the game was no longer delayed and the first pitch would be at 7:25 PM. The students from Catholic U settled into sections 242 and 243 at Nationals Park, where the atmosphere buzzed with the usual banter of baseball fans. Amidst the cheers and lighthearted jeers directed at players, some students unfamiliar with the game found joy in learning the ropes while sharing laughs with friends.
Anna Kampia, a junior Nursing major, shared, “I had fun learning how the game works while hanging with friends.”
As the game entered the top of the sixth inning with neither team scoring, the mood shifted slightly. Fans began to show signs of disappointment, wondering if extra innings were on the horizon. But in section 243, the camaraderie was palpable.
Ryan Corey, a junior philosophy major, remarked, “A great time with the Catholic U community! The best part of the night though, the stellar performance by Jacob Young! What a guy!”
Traditionally, the top of the seventh inning brought everyone to their feet to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” In that moment, CUA students united in section 242, proudly showcasing their school spirit against the backdrop of Nationals Park.
As the bottom of the ninth inning approached, the excitement grew, and fans roared with anticipation as they realized the game was nearing its climax. Catholic U students rallied for the Nationals.
Andrew Stansbury, a freshman mechanical engineering major, enthusiastically shared, “The Nationals have such a beautiful stadium, and I have such amazing friends. Go Nationals and Roll Cards!” This sentiment echoed the joy of togetherness, reinforcing the notion that, rain or shine, the community was thriving.
The game entered extra innings, and while the Royals ultimately scored a run in the top of the tenth and claimed victory, the spirit of the Catholic U community remained unshaken. While a Nationals win would have been sweet, the real triumph lay in the laughter, friendships, and shared moments that filled the stands.
After the game, Joshua Abando, Assistant Campus Minister for Residence Ministry in the Catholic U Campus Ministry reflected, “Even though it started rainy, the presence of The Catholic University of America definitely shined bright throughout Nationals Park. Great performance from the Nationals and an incredible atmosphere created by friends enjoying the night together.”
In the end, CUA came together, transforming a dreary day into a celebration of community spirit at the ballpark, proving that shared experiences and friendships make even rainy days unforgettable.
