Former Nationals Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard throw out the first pitches at Povich Field. Photo by Mark Thalman. 

Written by Mahaley Wise

The Bethesda Big Train hosted a Down on the Farm Night on Thursday evening, with special guests from across the Washington Nationals' network and plenty of interactive experiences for fans. Amidst the fun and activities, the Big Train took the field against the Southern Maryland in an exciting matchup between two of the top teams in the CRSCBL this season. 

Seth Silber, President of the Fredericksburg Nationals and Big Train Board Member, joined the festivities, representing the minor league farm system. Two former Washington Nationals pitchers, Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard, also made an appearance, signing autographs for local fans. Fredericksburg Nationals mascot, Gus, made a cameo, making fans smile and giving out high-fives to the children around the ballpark.

Alongside the Big Train, the special guests represented another step in the path that many aspiring players aim to follow – from youth baseball to the pros. The event showcased the full journey of baseball, honoring the passion and perseverance it takes to play at every level. The community came together to witness a gathering of baseball legends, from Big Train players to former Nationals pitchers, all united by their love for the game.

Silber reflected on the importance of nights like this, saying, “I think it's just fundamental that this is a great thing to do for a community. I mean, you look around here and you just see all these kids out here that love baseball, and they get an opportunity to see it up close.”

He continued, “It just kind of grows the entire sport, it helps grow interest in the minor leagues and all the way up to the major leagues.”

Fans delighted in meeting and getting autographs from Big Train players and former Washington Nationals pitchers, exchanging stories, and bonding over their shared passion for baseball. 

The festivities started with the four honored guests throwing out a first pitch. Gus took the mound first, warming up with a few comical practice pitches. He lobbed the ball into the dirt, likely ending his pitching career for good. Silber followed with a deceptive strike, and both Storen and Clippard pitched, splitting the strike zone for what would have been an easy strikeout. 

After his first pitch, Storen reminisced on his days pitching for a summer league, stating, “I played in the Cape Cod League…the intimate atmosphere and all the fans showing up it definitely brings me back.”

Clippard had some fond memories of his own to share from his minor league days, “I pitched in front of about 400 fans in a stadium similar to this, and it felt like I was pitching at Yankee Stadium…I never pitched in a stadium before that moment, so I feel like that’s maybe what some of these kids are going through, too.”

When asked about the value of summer collegiate baseball, Silber emphasized its developmental importance, “I mean, I think it's critical. These guys get additional experience…they get to play with other players on other teams from all over the country. Get to learn great skills from them and get some great coaching. Just a great way for them to continue to develop.”

Storen agreed, reflecting on his own time in a summer collegiate league, “I think it's great because you get to learn to play the game every day…being able to prepare every day kind of prepares you for pro ball. I think you are able to play against some different competition guys from all over. Lots of fun!” 

Silber also shared some advice for young athletes with big league dreams: “Just keep working hard. Be serious about what you do. Most importantly, enjoy what you do. If you enjoy what you do, you are going to do better.

Storen and Clippard gave out some collective advice to pitchers, emphasizing the need to take care of their arms. “Take care of your arm and your body,” Clippard said. “Learn how to control your fastball.” 

The honored guests left with renewed feelings of connection and passion for the game of baseball after spending the night interacting with fans, players, and enjoying the game. 

Clippard stated: “Anytime we can give back to baseball in any way is such a heartwarming feeling for us because the game gave us so much…We enjoy the heck out of it, being around baseball, seeing the fans, watching baseball. It means more to use than most people realize.”

Unfortunately, the evening was cut short as a thunderstorm rolled into the area. The game was suspended to a later date, which will be determined at another time. Nevertheless, the fans, guests, and players enjoyed a wonderful evening of baseball.