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 WASHINGTON (AP) - From the chants of "Lets go, Nats!" at a VIP luncheon to the excitement in the eyes of returning old-timers and the anticipatory mood surrounding President Bush's attendance and the ceremonial first-pitch, the nation's capital welcomed the official return of major league baseball with an all-day party.
In a city that went 12,250 days — since 1971 — without hosting a regular season big-league game, Thursday night's Washington Nationals' home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks was a joyous exclamation point for celebrations that began 6 1/2 months ago with the announcement that the Montreal Expos were heading south.
"I'm numb. I'm raking it all in," said Mickey Vernon, who turns 87 next week. "It's been a long while coming, but for those with patience, something good comes along," said Vernon, one of 10 former Washington Senators here as honored guests.
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