Doolittle receives video tribute, ovation in return to Nats Park originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Sean Doolittle returned to Nationals Park this week for the first time since signing a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds last offseason. The former Washington reliever who posted a 1.74 ERA across nine playoff appearances during the Nationals’ 2019 World Series run was treated to a standing ovation from the crowd as well as a video tribute on the scoreboard prior to Tuesday’s series opener.
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After the video was played, Doolittle exchanged hugs and received a few gifts from Davey Martinez, Daniel Hudson and Ryan Zimmerman. Doolittle told reporters over the weekend that the emotion he was most expecting to feel was gratitude.
“I loved my time with the Nats, I loved everything about it,” Doolittle said on a Zoom call. “I loved the way the fans embraced me; I loved the way the guys especially in the training room took care of me. I loved the guys on the team and the support we had for each other.”
The Nationals also gave Doolittle a tour of the newly renovated Champions Club in the ballpark, where the Commissioner’s Trophy has found its permanent home. Right behind the trophy is a mural of Doolittle jumping after he secured the final out of the Nationals’ series-clinching win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
Doolittle appeared in 147 regular-season games during his Nationals tenure, putting together a 3.03 ERA with 75 saves and 163 strikeouts. He entered play Tuesday with a 4.15 ERA over 20 appearances for the Reds.
