Remembering RFK as a Truly Multipurpose Stadium

By George Solomon
Sunday, September 23, 2007

It must be the season for retro: Newspapers and magazines seem to be writing endless articles about aging boomers and putting out special sections for seniors suggesting to us ways of living, playing and working longer.

Not to be outdone, professional sports are getting in step. For instance, the Washington Nationals will recognize a number of former Senators before their final game at RFK Stadium on Sunday. They include Frank Howard, Dick Bosman, Chuck Hinton, Fred Valentine and Hank Allen -- all AARP eligible. When the game ends, they'll dig up home plate for relocation to the new stadium, which will open in April.

The Redskins, of course, will be offering their own nostalgia at 4:15 when their guys (2-0, don't you know) take the field at FedEx Field against the New York Giants in helmets, jerseys and pants from the early 1970s -- before there was an ESPN -- as the franchise celebrates its 75th anniversary. One would not be shocked to find these retro items on sale somewhere in the area.

But the sun will shine brightest today on RFK Stadium, whose availability was a key factor (with the promise of a new stadium) in the Montreal Expos' move to Washington in 2005.

The stadium on East Capitol Street that opened in 1961 was best known as home to the Redskins until 1996 and more recently D.C. United and a number of international soccer matches. The late Robert Short moved the Senators to Arlington, Tex., after the 1971 season and except for some exhibition games over the years, RFK was baseball-dormant until a relentless three-decade effort by a number of people paid off when Frank Robinson's guys showed up.

"A lot of people in town have fond memories of the Senators," explained Mark Lerner, one of the team's owners. "I'm a traditionalist. We also admired how classy the Orioles closed Memorial Stadium" in 1991.

"Our first year [2005] here was great because we didn't have to play any games in Puerto Rico, like we'd done the previous two years," Nats closer Chad Cordero said the other day. "I liked that we had our own place to play and when things got exciting, the stands behind our dugout would shake."

And with a twinkle in his eye, he added: "I've saved a bunch of games here and blown a few. But it's all been a lot of fun."

What I liked most about the return of baseball to Washington these past three years: the good cheer shown by most fans, even though attendance declined in 2006 and 2007 (drawing nearly 2 million this year isn't terrible); the scrappy players; access to the park by car and Metro; the daily Presidents Race (Teddy is a lock today); welcoming ushers; improved grounds crew; and good radio and TV broadcasters. Also, the two managers: Robinson and Manny Acta.

Unfortunately, the quality of food never improved, and the organization didn't put enough emphasis on players and promotions in 2007.

But leave it to first baseman Dmitri Young to offer a final farewell to baseball at RFK: "My fondest memory will be when we leave here for good. The gaps in the outfield, much too deep. Time to move on."

Changes Along the Line

Even with the intense coverage, I'm having trouble trying to keep up with the Redskins' offensive line since injuries to right tackle Jon Jansen (fractured fibula and dislocated right ankle) and right guard Randy Thomas (torn triceps). Not to mention left tackle Chris Samuels's training camp injury and recovery and the departure of Derrick Dockery -- the incumbent left guard from a year ago -- to Buffalo via free agency.

Let me go slowly: Todd Wade, 30, has replaced Jansen; Jason Fabini, 33, has replaced Thomas; Pete Kendall, who was in a contract dispute with the New York Jets, was brought in before the season to replace Dockery. That leaves Stephon Heyer, a talented and undrafted free agent from Maryland, for utility, with newly signed Rick DeMulling, who has previously blocked for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and for someone in Detroit, I think.

Their coach, the venerable Joe Bugel, whom "new age" Post columnist Mike Wise suggested should be directing the cast of "Cocoon III," thinks they're all great. Buges would make a great editor; very positive. I don't know if his optimism is justified, but Fabini impressed me by lulling the Iggles to sleep with two cagey false starts before Jason Campbell hit "new age" tight end Chris Cooley with a touchdown pass seconds before halftime.

Here's what I do know: All the offensive linemen are very large guys, quite capable if they make it to the league, and smart. If they can't block well enough, they'll hold. Most offensive linemen also are funny. I've been in the tank for these guys since back in the day when I took notes from Schoenke, Hauss, Promuto, Laaveg, Snowden, Hermeling, Starke, Wilbur and Wright. Even Rock, who withheld notes. The guys who came later -- The Hogs -- own those three Vince Lombardi trophies at Redskins Park.

So, to Fabini, Kendall, Wade and company: Stand tall, guys, you have a tradition to up- hold.

Listen Up

There's a sense of irony that the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing Tuesday on the NFL's disability plan for retired players would occur so close to Buffalo tight end Kevin Everett's career-ending spinal cord injury, as well as other serious early-season injuries.

(Observation: I hadn't seen so many suits in one room since Raleigh's closed.)

Athletes in their 20s and 30s enjoying the fruits of their labor -- many believing their current lives will last forever -- would do well to pay attention to the testimony.

¿ Mike Ditka, former player and coach, now an ESPN commentator, on Everett's injury: "Football is a collision sport. This young man did nothing but make a tackle. I spent 50 years in the game and I say don't make proud men beg. Let them live out their lives in dignity."

¿ Fox TV's Daryl Johnston, former Dallas Cowboys fullback: "This industry has too much money for this situation to exist."

¿ Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers: "The current disability system bars benefits to many. . . . "

¿ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "The retired players deserve our respect and recognition. They have my personal commitment" to improve the situation.

¿ NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene Upshaw: "I've spent my life fighting for players. No one cares more for players than I do." Upshaw wants Congress to examine workers' comp plans, allow players to solely administer disability benefits and expedite the process for players to obtain benefits.

"The system is broken," Ditka said. "Fix it."

So?

Have a comment or question? Reach me at talkback@washpost.com.