On Tuesday night, the Washington Nationals had their moment. Certainly, after an NL Wildcard clinch for the ages against Bryce Harper; something big was needed to top it.
Now, enter 20-year old Juan Soto. Next, activate ‘storybook mode’ with willing participant Josh Hader. Finally, get ready for the biggest moment in Washington Nationals’ history.
We think we can tweet videos again so here's Juan Soto's game-winning hit and OH MY GOODNESS IT'S EVEN MORE INCREDIBLE THAN WE REMEMBERED.#ChildishBambino // #STAYINTHEFIGHT pic.twitter.com/iBCkc7hUaJ
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 2, 2019
Without question though, what happened afterwards was the Hallmark moment of the evening. After Soto lined a two-out hit that scored three Nationals, closer Daniel Hudson locked it down. While a 4-3 victory was in the record books, Soto’s father tackled him with a hug that legends are made of.
Check out the video from MLB.com’s Cut4 (excellent all-things baseball site):
Juan Soto getting celebratory tackled by his dad is so amazing. pic.twitter.com/8atUzu4Ck2
— Cut4 (@Cut4) October 2, 2019
Indeed, Soto is not old enough to buy a drink. However, he’s young enough that dad can be at the game and still run him down in that fashion. It’s one of those moments you don’t see in football or hockey. Moreover, baseball still remains a game of fathers and sons at it’s roots; and this was a beautiful reminder.
Juan Soto celebrating with his father
📷: Andrew Harnik/AP Photo pic.twitter.com/H5DWsG2ZNP
— Post Sports (@PostSports) October 2, 2019
Finally, it’s tough not to be a little bit happy for the Washington Nationals. Without question, their toughest test comes next beginning on Thursday night with the loaded Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Washington has a roster littered with talent like Soto and Anthony Rendon. Plus, they’re a team playing with nothing to lose. And is there anything more dangerous in playoff baseball then a team playing with house money?
These are the moments that make you a household name in the game of baseball. Easily forgotten is the fact that Soto’s rip to right field came off left-handed reliever with nightmare stuff Josh Hader. Still, Soto stood in tall and weathered the task. As a guy approaching his 40’s, it reminded me of something Ken Griffey Jr. would have done in the early parts of his career before we knew him as the Griffey Jr. we know today.
All of this, and the postseason is just one game old. Isn’t October a great month?
