Screech (mascot)

rdf:langString Screech (mascot)

rdf:langString Screech

rdf:langString Screech during the 2019 World Series

rdf:langString Bald eagle

rdf:langString Washington Nationals

rdf:langString Screech is the mascot of the Washington Nationals. He is a bald eagle that wears the home cap and jersey of the team. He was "hatched" on April 17, 2005 at the "Kids Opening Day" promotion at RFK Stadium. A nine-year-old fourth grade student in Washington D.C., Glenda Gutierrez, designed the mascot and won a contest sponsored by the team and explained that it was "strong and eats almost everything." In 2009, the Nationals unveiled a redesigned Screech. The new costume, designed by Major League Baseball's design department made the mascot slimmer and gave the mascot a removable cap. The Nationals explained that the original design was of an eagle that was always intended to grow up one day. A Nationals official described him as "like a teenager now". The 2012 Topps Opening Day card described Screech as a dazzling dancer, full of loyal shenanigans directed at the opposing team. "Screech" received a shoutout in Donny Hathaway's old-school classic Howard U / DC track "Sugar Lee". In subsequent years, the team created built a number of in-stadium traditions around the mascot. Screech became the official judge of the team's Presidents Race, and carries a flag around the field after victories. An annual "Kids Opening Day" event, held on a Sunday home game each April, was expanded to include a celebration of Screech's birthday. Additional costumes were added, including a special birthday hat, rain gear worn after rain delays, a Jedi robe worn on Star Wars Day, and pajamas worn during extra innings of late night games.