The Washington Nationals are not a very good baseball team. They are the newest team in the Major Leagues. We have learned not to expect them to win many games. We go to enjoy baseball in person: pitchers keeping an eye on the runner on first, batters warming up, swinging their bats in big circles, beer sellers running up and down the steps in a display of unrecognized aerobic athleticism. We have a new pitcher, just brought up after a short stint in the minor leagues. Almost overnight, Nats T shirts with Stephen Strasburg's name sprouted like dandelions in an untended lawn. I chuckled at this family, in their matching Strasbug shirts. It's a reminder that baseball thrives on hope.