The Washington Nationals offered free tickets to Saturday's game to Navy Yard employees and their families as a much needed distraction from Monday's tragic shooting.
The team gave up to four free tickets to Navy Yard personnel for the game against the Miami Marlins. Tickets were picked up Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In a message posted on the Facebook page of Naval District Washington, the Nationals Baseball Club said:
"Monday's tragic events impacted all of us in our community and we are deeply saddened by the loss of so many innocent lives...Please know that our thoughts continue to be with those who work at the Washington Navy Yard and their families."
Interested employees had to present a valid ID to receive the tickets.
The game begins at 7:05 p.m. at Nats Park.
Friday afternoon in a parking lot across from Navy Yard, employees who work on the fourth floor of Building 197 tailgated before the baseball game.
“It was very distinct, pop pop pop pop, kind of at a distance, and then it was a little closer – pop pop – from where I was sitting, and at that point I’m like, ‘No, no. This isn’t something usual. This is gunfire,’” said Navy Yard employee Connie Gerow, who was on the fourth floor of Building 197.
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The outing was planned before the shooting, and they had thought about canceling but then decided to go ahead with it. They adorned a cooler with the names of the victims.
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