BETHESDA, Md. — Baseball fans got a chance to meet Washington Nationals’ ace
Stephen Strasburg at Westfield Montgomery Mall and play video games with him on
an XBox One.
It was an event to celebrate the new Microsoft store in the mall, but most fans
just wanted to shake hands with the pitcher.
“I’m a big Nationals fan,” says Michael Becker. “I’m a season ticket holder for
10 years, since day one. My son and I are really excited to meet him.”
“He’s one of my favorite pitchers on the team,” his son, Jake Becker, chimes in,
“and I’ve been following him for four seasons now.”
Other fans were excited and hope the Nats can finally make it past the first
round in 2015 and into the World Series.
“If you’re a Redskins fan, then it’s really not hard to be a Nationals fan,”
Carl Greevey says.
Strasburg greeted fans inside the store, then a select few got to play against
him on an XBox One.
“I have about 25 years of video game playing experience, so I think I can give
Strasburg a run for his money,” says Jason.
His wife is also an avid gamer.
“The true athletes do fine on the field, but video games are for the nerd,” says
Mindy.
Strasburg says he plays “Call of Duty,” but he definitely believes the fans
could beat him one-on-one.
“They’ll probably take your business, but I hope there is not too much trash
talking,” Strasburg says.
“I play video games, but obviously I have another job to do,” Strasburg says.
“With baseball, you have to learn to deal with failures.”
Regardless of the outcome, for those like Jake Becker, meeting Strasburg and
getting his autograph is what the experience was all about.
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