2005 Washington Nationals season

The team signed four key free agents during the off-season: Vinny Castilla, José Guillén, Cristian Guzmán and Esteban Loaiza.

Nationals Vice President of Sales and Marketing David Cope explained that the slogan told "people to come to the game, to let themselves come out here [to Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium].

A nine-year-old fourth-grade student in Washington, Glenda Gutierrez, designed the mascot and won a contest sponsored by the team, explaining that Screech was "strong and eats almost everything."

"[10] The Nationals' broadcasting deal for 2005 was put together at the last minute and led to difficulties for fans attempting to follow the team on radio or television.

The limitation of radio and television coverage forced many Nationals fans to rely on print media and in-person attendance at games to follow the team during 2005.

Screech, the Washington Nationals' bald eagle mascot, as he appeared from 2005 through 2008 . A much slimmer version of Screech debuted just before the beginning of the 2009 season .
President George W. Bush throws out a ceremonial first pitch in 2005.