HAGERSTOWN, Md.
Stars are stars no matter where they work. The size of the venue isn’t important. It’s all about the status of the performer.
- Jason Reid
- Columnist
Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg is worthy of neon billing
The sellout crowd at tiny Municipal Stadium understood. That’s why fans came Sunday afternoon to watch pitcher Stephen Strasburg’s first rehabilitation start for the Class A Hagerstown Suns. Media credential requests were double that of what the Suns received for the professional debut of touted prospect Bryce Harper.
Although marquee entertainers rarely visit these parts, Strasburg would have received spotlight treatment in many locations. The Washington Nationals’ most important player is worthy of neon billing.
That’s what the District’s No. 1 sports star commands.
Last season, Strasburg was more than simply an impressive rookie pitcher. He was an event in a big-event town.
Starting with his dazzling 14-strikeout debut in June, Strasburg was a happening. He was a must-watch athlete in a sport’s market lacking much buzz.
The right-hander provided what fans want most: A reason to cheer. An uncooperative ligament in his pitching elbow temporarily shut down the show, leading to the Hagerstown tour stop on Strasburg’s long road back from Tommy John surgery.
The record will show Strasburg gave up three hits — including a solo home run — while facing eight Greensboro (N.C.) Grasshoppers. Limited to 35 pitches or two innings by Washington’s medical staff, Strasburg worked into the second while throwing 25 strikes in 31 pitches.
Forget about those details. The statistical part of rehab starts isn’t important in the big picture.
Strasburg’s velocity and command, the keys to his star-power, were on display again in a pain-free performance. For Nationals management, that’s what it’s all about.
His fastball was clocked as high as 98 mph on radar guns. It was consistently in the 96-mph range.
Facing the first batter in the second, Strasburg broke off a sharp curveball for a called third strike, and he “knew the velocity was gonna be there just the way I was throwing” while rehabbing at the Nationals’ complex in Viera, Fla. “I was pretty happy with the command.”
The outing was fine for someone who had previously only pitched in simulated games. With the comfort of a controlled environment gone, Strasburg did enough to inspire confidence he’s close to rejoining the Nationals and resuming his role as the District’s Big Dog.
Attracting attention is Strasburg’s least favorite part of his job, “but I’m aware of it,” he said. “Not to be rude or anything, but it’s really not that important to me.
“My goal as an athlete is to go out there and win. It’s great that people come out and support me and stuff, and I really appreciate the fans . . . but bottom line, my job is to go out there and beat the other team.”
Capitals fans would argue Alex Ovechkin is second to none in production and style. The Wizards believe they have a rising superstar in John Wall and the Redskins have popular Pro Bowler Brian Orakpo.
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