Washington Nationals commit baseball sin

I agree with Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Jr..

Excerpt from his statement:

Annually, Phillies fans from Pennsylvania and around the region have packed Nationals’ stadium when their team plays in Washington. Recently, the Nationals announced a new gimmick to keep Phillies fans out. According to recent reports about the plan, tickets to Phillies/Nationals games in DC would first be made available to credit card holders from Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia – effectively limiting and potentially eliminating opportunities for Pennsylvania fans to purchase tickets.

Here's the full text of his letter to Theodore Lerner, the principal owner of the Washington Nationals. This policy is fucking bullshit. I could understand a college limiting the tickets that the opponent gets for their fans but a MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL team?!? Surely, you must be fucking kidding?!?

Theodore N. Lerner
Managing Principal Owner
Washington Nationals
Nationals Park
1500 South Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Dear Mr. Lerner,

I write regarding the recently announced “Take Back the Park” ticket policy at Washington Nationals Park and to respectfully request its elimination. I am concerned that dedicated Philadelphia Phillies fans will be unfairly denied access to games when their team plays against the Nationals.

It has come to my attention that residents of Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland have been given special priority access to tickets sales on the dates in May when the Nationals and the Phillies compete. According to the team’s website, only credit card billing addresses from these two states and the District of Columbia will be processed for the presale, effectively blocking thousands of Phillies fans who root for their team by visiting Nationals Park. I appreciate the desire to enjoy a home field advantage, but this unprecedented policy solely and unfairly targets Phillies fans.

As the Nation’s capital, Washington DC uniquely plays host to visitors from across the country. In addition to the fans who visit exclusively for Phillies games, tourists from the Commonwealth who hope to include a game on their Washington, DC itinerary could be blocked from attendance. In the spirit of good sportsmanship and healthy competition, I urge you to reconsider the policy and immediately allow Phillies fans equal access to ticket sales at Nationals Park.

Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator

cc: Allan H. Selig, Commissioner, Major League Baseball
cc: Andrew Feffer, Chief Operating Officer, Washington Nationals