Running for president: The Nats hold mascot tryouts

On a cold December day, 44 of the Washington Nationals’ biggest fans, filed onto the field at the Nats’ Youth Baseball Academy for a chance to run to become a “Racing President.”

Candidates looking to fill the shoes of George, Tom, Abe, and Teddy had to run a 40-yard dash, race halfway around the outfield and back and wow the judges with their freestyle dance moves.

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“I’m nervous. I don’t know, it’s a big deal,” exclaimed Jane. “I mascotted in college a little bit and I’d love to be a part of a World Series team,” she said. None of the candidates could share their last names, or if they have been a mascot for the Washington Nationals before, which is a rule of the role. So is being able to run with a wobbly large foam head on your shoulders, which caused many to lose their balance and bite the baseline dust. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

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“With all the weight on the top where the head is, it does make it a lot harder to run than you would normally think,” said Aiden from Bethesda who ran as Abe Lincoln. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

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Racing Presidents who hope to don the 12-foot high costumes have been selected from a pool of applicants who previously submitted their cover letter and resume to the team. After their physical tryout, they have to pass an in-person interview. Only about half will make the final cut, said Tom Davis, director of entertainment for the team. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

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“We’re looking for the people that can impress us and the best of the best, not to be cliché,” said Davis. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

The candidates will likely find out next week if they are committed to representing the team both inside and outside Nats Park next season. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

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