Screech Gets A Makeover

Posted by Cheryl Nichols, Contributor to Nats News Network

Thought I would do a light-hearted post for a Friday morning. Disclosure - I'll tell you right now that I have never been a big fan of mascots and think that they are pretty silly, however, know that kids like them (and a few adults I suppose).

A few roster moves are not the only changes for the Nationals in the off-season. Even Screech is getting a makeover!

As most of you know, the mascot for the Washington Nationals is an eagle named "Screech" that hatched on April 17, 2005 at RFK stadium.

Photo from www.nationals.com

Most fans would agree that Screech could be described as "a bit overweight" (eating all of the fried food at the ballpark cannot be helping). I am hoping that Screech trimmed down in the off-season so that he can be a little more competitive with the slim and fit Oriole bird dance-off.

Screech has been seen recently working out. He joined fellow DC eagles (Capitals "Slapshot" and United "Talon") and several other regional mascots at Penguins v. Capitals game on Friday, February 20. to play a little hockey at the mascot hockey game between second and third periods. Let's hope that Screech looks a little more like "Slapshot" than the Philadelphia Eagle "Swoop" (who was rightly booed off the ice!)

All Photos (c) Cheryl Nichols, unless otherwise noted

EVENT INFORMATION:

WHO: "Screech" and Narrated by Nationals in-game host Clint with members of Nat Pack
WHAT: Unveiling of "Screech" new look; meet-and greet with fans; slideshow featuring “Screech” through the years
WHEN: Monday, March 2, 2009, 12- 1 pm
WHERE: ESPN Zone, 555 12th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

“Screech” will make a variety of appearances in the month leading up to start of the 2009 Nationals season to show off his fresh-feathered look.